Tolerates Clay Soils
- Cordyline australis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree or Ti Kouka, is a striking native tree found throughout New Zealand. With its upright trunk and clusters of long, drooping leaves—often reaching up to 1 metre—it resembles a palm and adds architectural flair to any landscape. In late spring, this hardy tree bursts into large heads of creamy white, scented flowers. These blooms are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators. As summer progresses, the tree produces fruit that draws native birds from January to April, enhancing biodiversity in your garden or property. Cordyline australis thrives in a wide range of environments—from swampy wetlands to dry, windy hill slopes. It’s commonly seen across farmland, open spaces, and scrubland in both the North and South Islands. While it tolerates clay soils, it performs best in free-draining ground and is resistant to coastal winds and harsh conditions. The name “Cabbage Tree” arose from early European settlers who, like Maori, used the tender heart-shoots as a vegetable. Its Latin name, australis, fittingly means “southern” or “of the south,” reflecting its deep roots in New Zealand’s southern landscapes. This iconic tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 2 metres wide, making it a bold and resilient choice for coastal gardens, rural properties, and native restoration projects.
- 6 x 2m
- Medium 5-10m
- Slow - Moderate
- Palm
- Upright
- New Zealand/div>
- Nikau Palms
- Green
- White
- Fragrant
- Dry once established, Damp-Wet, Clay
- Coastal, Windy, Hardy
- Bird Feeding, Small Gardens
- Corynocarpus laevigatus – Karaka is a dense, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its lush, glossy green foliage creates a bold, tropical impression—perfect for adding instant visual appeal to gardens and landscapes. Flowering in late winter to spring, it produces delicate green-cream clusters. By summer, vibrant orange berry-like fruits emerge, attracting native kererū, who help disperse the seeds. Exceptionally hardy, Karaka withstands strong winds, coastal exposure, and drought. However, it dislikes waterlogged soils. Ideal as a privacy screen or shade canopy, this tree grows to approximately 15–20 metres tall and 8 metres wide.
- Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a tall, fast-growing New Zealand native tree with a broad, spreading crown. Because of its vigorous growth, it’s widely recognised and valued in native landscapes. Although its tiny needle-like leaves resemble Manuka, they feel noticeably softer to the touch. During summer, small white flowers blanket the tree, creating an almost snow-like effect that’s highly attractive to bees. Compared to Manuka, Kanuka grows larger and produces smaller seeds. Once established, it withstands windy coastal conditions and thrives in dry soils. Furthermore, it tolerates clay, though overly wet areas should be avoided. Extremely hardy, Kanuka reaches approximately 6 x 4 metres. As a result, it’s used extensively as a cover tree to protect newly planted native revegetation, offering both shelter and ecological support.
- Leptospermum scoparium – Manuka or Tea Tree is a compact, native New Zealand tree known for its resilience and beauty. It’s ideal for gardens seeking year-round interest and biodiversity. Dark green foliage is narrow, lance-shaped and sharply pointed. From late autumn to early spring, the tree bursts into single or double flowers, offering a vibrant display and nectar for bees. These are followed by its berries, which resemble tiny hot cross buns. Manuka is also prized for its high-quality honey, making it a valuable addition to any landscape. Hardy and adaptable, Manuka tolerates clay soils and thrives in windy coastal areas or dry conditions once established. Avoid overly wet soils for best results. It typically grows to around 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact evergreen tree originating from the USA. With its rounded form and slower growth, it provides year‑round structure and elegance in the garden. The glossy deep green leaves, highlighted by russet undersides, are typical of grandiflora magnolias. Moreover, creamy white flowers appear freely from an early age, filling the air with fragrance and charm. This magnolia tolerates clay soils; however, avoid overly wet conditions. In addition, it grows to approximately 5m tall by 3m wide but can be pruned easily to maintain shape and height. Because of its size and adaptability, ‘Little Gem’ is excellent for smaller gardens or large pots, offering beauty and versatility in both traditional and modern landscapes
- Nyssa sylvatica – Black Tupelo is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a graceful pyramidal shape. Native to North America, it brings seasonal interest and structure to gardens and landscapes. During summer, its dark green, glossy leaves—oval and pointed—reach up to 15 cm long. As autumn arrives, they transform into a stunning display of reds, oranges, and yellows, making it a true standout. This tree thrives near ponds or in damp, moist areas and tolerates clay soils well. Tiny flowers bloom discreetly, followed by small blue berries that attract birds and enhance biodiversity. Typically growing to around 7 meters tall and 4 meters wide, Black Tupelo is ideal for woodland-style plantings. The name sylvatica reflects its natural habitat—thriving in forested environments..
- Pseudopanax lessonii – Houpara is an evergreen New Zealand native that grows as a multi-branched shrub or small tree. Fast-growing, it features fleshy, palmate-shaped dark green leaves with three to five leaflets, creating a lush and tropical look. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding life and movement to the garden throughout the year. Houpara can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a hedge or can be clipped to form a larger screen, offering versatility in garden design. This hardy species is ideal for coastal gardens as it withstands salt-laden winds. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and tolerates clay soils, though not waterlogged conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, Houpara makes an excellent choice for structured planting and year-round greenery.
- Tristaniopsis laurina – Kanooka or Water Gum is a medium-sized evergreen tree with a rounded, compact form. Its dark, glossy green leaves provide year-round appeal, making it a striking feature in any landscape. Native to Australia, this tree produces clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers during summer. These blooms not only enhance its beauty but also attract pollinators, bringing extra life and movement to your garden. Kanooka Water Gum tolerates clay soils, yet it performs best in moist, well-drained conditions. For optimal growth and colour, plant it in full sun while avoiding sites that are overly wet or dry. Versatile and adaptable, it suits street planting, lawn specimens, and smaller gardens where shade is desired. Typically reaching 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, it can also be pruned to maintain a neat, compact shape.
- Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’ is a vigorous, evergreen small tree native to Australia. Its long, narrow green leaves decorate slightly pendulous branches, creating a graceful form in the garden. Furthermore, masses of red, fluffy, bottlebrush flowers with golden anthers bloom in spring and autumn. These vibrant flowers provide abundant nectar, attracting bees and birds while adding seasonal colour. In addition, this hardy tree tolerates poor dry soils once established, as well as clay, coastal, and windy conditions. However, avoid wet or poorly drained sites. Best grown in full sun, it reaches approximately 3m high and 2m wide if left untrimmed but trimmed also makes an excellent screen or hedge.
- Gordonia axillaris – Fried Egg Tree is a compact evergreen tree with dark, glossy green foliage. Native to China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, it grows slowly, making it ideal for smaller gardens where space is limited. From April to September, large single white flowers appear, ruffled at the edges with bright yellow stamens in the centre. These blooms resemble fried eggs and are also similar to some camellia flowers, creating a striking seasonal display. This tree prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to part shade. Moreover, it is easy to maintain, allowing you to shape and control its height with minimal effort. Growing to approximately 4 x 3 metres, Gordonia axillaris makes a charming shade tree and a beautiful feature for smaller landscapes.
- Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a fast-growing, pyramidal deciduous tree with a clean trunk and graceful spreading branches. Its large, lyre-shaped green leaves create a lush summer canopy and turn a vibrant butter-yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest. In late spring, fragrant tulip-like flowers appear, showcasing greenish-yellow petals with a striking orange band at the base. These blooms make the tree a standout feature in any landscape. The Tulip Tree thrives in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates clay, provided it is not overly wet. It grows approximately 10 x 6 meters in 10 years and can reach 30 x 15 meters at maturity. Ideal as a shade or specimen tree, it also works beautifully in avenues to create a bold statement. The name “Tulipifera” refers to its distinctive tulip-shaped flowers, which are its most charming feature.
- Quercus robur – English Oak is one of the worlds most recognised trees. It is a deciduous, long‑lived tree native to Europe. It grows into a very large specimen with a broad crown of rugged, open branches. Its dark green leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn, while acorns ripen and fall throughout the season. As it matures, the tree develops short, attractive fissured bark that adds strong visual character. Although it tolerates clay soils, it is best to avoid sites that remain consistently wet. In the Landscape its expansive canopy, it makes an excellent shade tree for parks, reserves, farms, and larger open spaces. The English Oak is also valued for its durable timber. Its heartwood is highly sought after for interior use and quality furniture work. This impressive tree typically reaches around 10 × 6 m in ten years and can surpass 30 m at full maturity. The Latin word robur refers to hardwood, especially oak, and conveys strength, firmness, power, and resilience.
- Taxodium distichum – Swamp Cypress, is a vigorous, deciduous conifer known for its striking pyramidal shape with origins in the United States. This bold tree adds structure to any larger landscape. In spring and summer, its soft, green needle-like foliage creates a lush canopy. As autumn arrives, the leaves shift to brilliant shades of golden yellow, warm orange, and rich brown—an eye-catching seasonal transformation. Remarkably tolerant of wet soils, Swamp Cypress thrives near ponds, streams, and other damp areas. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for wetland gardens or low-lying spaces. Typically, it reaches around 9 x 4 metres within ten years. At full maturity, it can grow to an impressive 25+ x 10 metres, offering long-term impact and shade. Interestingly, the species name distichum means “two-ranked,” referring to the elegant, two-rowed arrangement of its leaves along the branches.
- Quercus canariensis – Algerian or Mirbeck Oak is a large, deciduous tree native to the Western Mediterranean. With a stout trunk and broad crown, it produces striking dark green leaves that create a lush canopy. In warmer climates, it may remain semi-evergreen, offering year-round appeal. This oak thrives in exposed sites, tolerating heat and drier conditions with ease. Moreover, it adapts well to most soils and shows greater tolerance of clay than many other oak species, though it dislikes waterlogged ground. Additionally, Quercus canariensis withstands coastal environments, making it versatile for varied landscapes. It grows approximately 10 x 6m in ten years, and at maturity, it can reach 25 x 25m. With its impressive size and spreading habit, it serves as an excellent shade tree for large gardens or open spaces.
- Quercus cerris – Turkey Oak is a handsome, wide-spreading deciduous tree native to south-eastern Europe and Western Asia. Its rich green, oblong lobed leaves create a striking display before turning golden yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest to any landscape. This oak thrives in diverse soil types, including sandy, loamy, and heavy clay, though it resents waterlogged conditions. Thanks to its robust root system, it becomes dry tolerant once established. Moreover, it prefers full sun and withstands exposed sites. Growing to approximately 10 x 6m in ten years, Turkey Oak matures to around 25 x 14m. With its impressive size and broad crown, it provides excellent shade, making it a valuable choice for large gardens, parks, or open spaces.
- Platanus orientalis ‘Autumn Glory’ is a selected form of the Oriental Plane, known for its fast growth and impressive structure. This deciduous tree quickly develops a large, rounded crown of branches, making it a standout in spacious landscapes. Its large, palmate green leaves resemble maple foliage and are deeply lobed into three or more sections. In autumn, they add seasonal interest with golden tones. The bark flakes in patches on older branches, revealing a dappled surface that adds year-round texture. While it tolerates most soils, it prefers moist, well-drained conditions for optimal growth. Ideal for parks, farms, avenues, and large properties, it provides excellent shade and visual appeal. Originating from Duncan and Davies in New Zealand, it typically grows to around 9 metres tall and 5 metres wide.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Maori Princess' is a refined cultivar of the iconic Pohutukawa, selected for its upright, pyramidal growth habit. Its foliage is a distinctive deep green, offering a lush contrast to its vivid red flowers. Because of its compact form and neat structure, this tree is ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. In addition, its tidy shape makes it easy to maintain and visually appealing year-round. In late spring, 'Maori Princess' produces brilliant red flowers that cover the tree in a spectacular display. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also serve as a valuable food source for native birds. Consequently, this tree adds both beauty and biodiversity to your garden. Growing to around 7 x 5 metres, it can be clipped to shape, making it suitable as a screen, hedge, or standout specimen. Metrosideros varieties, including 'Maori Princess', thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They tolerate poor soil, excess moisture, and even drought. Moreover, they withstand salt-laden winds and arid conditions, making them perfect for exposed sites. While they can grow in clay and wet soils, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. Therefore, this cultivar is not only tough but also an excellent shade tree for compact outdoor spaces.
- Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pohutukawa, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees. Excelsa stands out as the giant of the species, with a wide-spreading canopy and olive-green foliage. From December, it bursts into bright crimson, fluffy flowers. For this reason it’s often called the New Zealand Christmas tree. Flowers also attract bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Thriving in coastal environments, Pohutukawa trees are incredibly resilient. They endure poor soil, excess moisture, and even drought. Moreover, they withstand salt-laden winds and dry, exposed landscapes. Their thick roots often anchor into cliff faces, showcasing their strength and adaptability. Pohutukawa prefers moist, well-drained earth, but will grow in a wide range of soils. With proper space, this majestic tree can grow up to 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide, making it a stunning feature in larger gardens or coastal settings.
- Metrosideros excelsa x robusta 'Mistral', commonly known as Pohutukawa, is a stunning native tree discovered on the Coromandel Peninsula, located on the north-western coast of New Zealand’s North Island. As a natural hybrid of Metrosideros excelsa and robusta, Mistral offers a more compact and upright form. Its fresh green foliage matures into a darker shade, creating year-round interest. Moreover, its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces. In late spring, Mistral bursts into deep scarlet red flowers that blanket the entire tree, creating a breathtaking display. Not only are these blooms visually striking, but they also attract native birds, adding ecological value to your garden. Growing to approximately 5 x 3 metres, this tree is easily clipped into shape. Therefore, it works beautifully as a screen, hedge, or standout specimen in compact landscapes. Metrosideros varieties thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They tolerate poor soils, excess moisture, and even drought conditions. Furthermore, they withstand salt-laden winds and arid climates, making them perfect for exposed sites. While they can grow in clay and wet soils, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. As a result, Mistral is not only hardy but also an excellent shade tree for smaller gardens.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Lighthouse' is a compact, upright evergreen tree discovered on Rangitoto Island in the Auckland region. Its green leaves feature striking silver-grey undersides, adding texture and contrast to the foliage. In December, vibrant red flowers burst into bloom, covering the entire tree. These blossoms not only dazzle but also produce seeds that attract and nourish small birds. Thriving in coastal environments, this Pohutukawa is impressively resilient. It tolerates poor soils, excess moisture, and even drought conditions with ease. Moreover, it withstands salt-laden winds and arid landscapes. While it adapts to clay and wet soils, it performs best in moist, well-drained earth. Ideal as an avenue or specimen tree, 'Lighthouse' grows to approximately 7 meters tall and 4 meters wide, making it a standout feature in any garden.
