Trees

Large deciduous or semi-deciduous tree of uncertain hybrid parentage (involving Australian native Erythrina species), with a short trunk and a relatively open canopy of ascending branches with rose-like thorns. Named after William Sykes, a New Zealand botanist. Compound leaves with three, heart-shaped, mid green leaflets, 7-20 cm long, 7-12 cm wide.  Bright scarlet flowers to about 6 cm long, in clusters at the tips of bare branches in late winter and early spring. Has become invasive in parts of Australia, where it is difficult to control since it grows easily from root segments. branches and clippings.

Prefers a position in full sun and moist soil. Can adapt to dry areas. Withstands coastal conditions, but needs wind protection. Branches are quite brittle and easily snap off during windy days. Tolerates light frosts to about -7 deg C. 

Magnificent specimen tree, in particular during winter and early spring when the canopy of bare branches is covered with masses of large, vibrant orange  flower clusters.

Evergreen tree or large shrub with dark green foliage and attractive dappled orange brown bark, native to south-east Asia. Leathery leaves to 15 cm long with smooth, shallowly lobed or toothed margins. They turn scarlet before dropping, a few at a time throughout the year. White flowers with crepe paper-like petals and conspicuous yellow stamens, 12 cm wide, during midwinter and early spring. Flowers drop before browning, with the stamens facing upwards, resembling a carpet of fried eggs.

Gordonia axillaris belongs to the Theaceae, the tea family (same family as camellia). It has been renamed Franklinia axillaris, but is also known as Polyspora axillaris.

Prefers a partially shaded position in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Happy in full sun as long as there is adequate moisture during dry periods. Fertlise regularly to prevent leaves from turning yellow. No pruning required or only a light prune in spring after flowering. Hardy to about -7^oC.

Large evergreen tree in the Proteaceae family, native to Australia, with a pyramidal to oval crown and fern-like foliage. Golden orange flowers, arranged in 8-16 cm long, bottlebrush-like racemes, on mature trees in spring-summer. Mid to dark green, divided leaves to about 30 cm long, with silky, silvery white undersides. Widely planted for timber, shelter, and ornamental purposes. Naturalised in many regions of the world. Has become invasive in some areas, such as Hawaii, Brazil, South Africa, and parts of Australlia, where it competes with the indigenous vegetation. Contains toxins. Leaves may cause skin irritation, and can inhibit establishment of other plant species. Attracts nectar-feeding birds.

Prefers a sunny position in any well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Tolerates rather poor soils. Frost-tender when young, hardy to about -8 ⁰C when mature. Reasonably drought tolerant once established. Suitable for coastal areas with protection from persistent, strong winds.

Beautiful tree when in flower, but needs plenty of space. It is not a tidy tree and produces quite a large amount of litter, in particular in winter just before the new leaves emerge. Young plants can be used as indoor foliage plants.

Glossy bright green oval leaves 5 to 10 cm long and to 5 cm wide. Panicles of very tiny greenish flowers in spring. Occurs in forests throughout New Zealand. Grows as a tree up to 15 m high in nature, but is generally grown as a shrub or hedge in garden situations and maintained at a height of 1.5 to 4 m.

Will grow in a wide range of conditions. Prefers a sunny position, but also tolerates shade. Intolerant of excessively wet sites. Suitable for exposed areas. Quite drought tolerant once established. To keep the plant compact, prune once a year, preferably with secateurs (as opposed to pruning shears).  Hardy to -12 ⁰C.

The fresh green foliage of Griselinia littoralis combines beautifully with divaricating plants such as Muehlenbeckia astonii, with flax-like plants and with taller grasses such as Chionochloa flavicans. Forms a good background for feature plantings, and perfect as a hedge.

Slender, evergreen tree, native to the rainforests of Australia (Queensland and New South Wales) and New Guinea. Belongs to the Pittosporaceae, the same family as Pittosporum. Fast growing once established. Relatively open and narrow canopy with a distinct horizontal branch pattern. Oblong to lanceolate, glossy green leaves with hairy undersides, 10 cm long by 4 cm wide. Very fragrant, 3-5 cm wide flowers, produced in clusters during spring or early summer. They are creamy white initially and turn yellow with age, sometimes with a reddish center, eventually followed by long pear-shaped seed capsules. Flowers resemble those of Plumeria, the frangipani tree, in size, shape and fragrance, hence the common name. Attracts birds and bees.

Prefers a sheltered position in any well-draining, alkaline to neutral soil. Flowers best in full sun, but can be grown in partial shade. Tolerates considerable drought and moderate frosts once established. Protect young plants from frosts. Suitable for coastal gardens, but since the branches are quite brittle, the tree needs protection from strong winds. 

Beautiful tree, smothered in sweetly scented flowers in spring or early summer. Thanks to its narrow growth habit, Hymenosporum flavum is suitable for smaller gardens. With a relatively sparsely branched canopy, it forms an attractive silhouette against a tall wall. Pruning encourages the development of a more compact crown.

Fast growing, deciduous tree, native to South America, with a spreading crown, bright green, fern-like leaves and purplish blue flowers in late spring or summer. Belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. Large (to about 45 cm long) leaves, twice pinnately compound, divided into many smaller (to 1 cm long) leaflets, turning yellow in autumn. Tubular flowers, 2.5-5 cm long, grouped in 30 cm long clusters, forming a blue carpet after falling to the ground. Woody, 5 cm wide, reddish brown seed pods with many small, winged seeds. Widely grown as an ornamental tree. In some parts of the world (e.g. South Africa and Queensland, Australia) Jacaranda mimosifolia is regarded as an invasive plant, posing a threat to the native vegetation.

Synonyms: Jacaranda chelonia, Jacaranda ovalifolia.

Prefers a sheltered position in full sun and very well-draining soil. Drought tolerant. Not suitable for waterlogged or clay soils. Tolerates, but does not grow and flower as well in, partial shade. No pruning required. In fact, pruning tends to destroy the natural umbrella-shape of the canopy by encouraging the tree to produce vertical shoots. Survives brief spells of moderate frosts (to about -8^oC).                                 

A gorgeous specimen or shade tree with magnificent flowers and delicate, graceful foliage, but make sure you have enough space. Not a tidy tree, so plant in a position where leaf and flower litter are not a problem. Flowers may stain hard surfaces.

Tall evergreen New Zealand native tree with a narrow, columnar habit, flowering in spring. Occurs naturally throughout the North Island and in the northern parts of the South Island of New Zealand. Leaves are leathery, dark olive-green, pale beneath, with toothed margins, 3-4 cm wide, up to 30 cm long on juvenile plants and about 15 cm long on adult trees. Brown tomentum covers the branchlets, petioles and mid-veins on the undersides of the leaves. Bee-pollinated, reddish brown flowers, clustered tightly in racemes to 10 cm long. Flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds such as the New Zealand native tui. The protruding styles persist on the brown woody fruit capsules that follow the flowers and after about a year split in two halves to release winged seed.

Knightia excelsa prefers a sunny or partially shady position in any well-drained soil. Suitable for coastal gardens as long as it is sheltered from very strong winds to protect the leaves from leaf burn.Tolerant of dry conditions once established, but prone to root rot in wet soils. Moderately frost-hardy. Needs some frost protection when young. Thrips may become a problem in particular for plants that are already stressed, causing the leaves to turn pale, but this can be overcome by applying a systemic insecticide. No or little pruning required. 

Even though Knightia excelsa eventually becomes very tall, its narrow growth habit makes it an attractive specimen tree that is suitable even for smaller gardens. Looks great when planted in groups where space allows. Excellent choice if you wish to attract birds and bees in your garden.

Fast growing, evergreen shrub or small erect tree, occurring naturally in Australia and throughout New Zealand. Bright green, linear leaves, 1-2 cm long, releasing volatile oils when crushed. Small white flowers, 0.5-1 cm across, during summer. Similar to Leptospermum scoparium (manuka), but leaves are soft, whereas manuka leaves are prickly. Manuka flowers and seed capsules are larger, and the plant itself is smaller than kanuka. 

Synonyms: Leptospermum ericoides, Kunzea peduncularis.

Prefers a sunny position in any well-draining soil. Tolerates partial shade, drought, wind, poor soils, moderate frosts, and coastal conditions. Does not like wet feet. Frost-hardy throughout New Zealand. Usually free from pests and diseases. Difficult to transplant. Best planted in autumn with minimum root disturbance.

Used in revegetation projects as nurse plants, colonising open areas prior to the introduction of other plants. Under-utilised in gardens, but worth considering as a shelter tree or a specimen, planted as a solitary tree or in groups for its attractive branching pattern, vigorous growth, and profusion of flowers in summer.

Australian, evergreen tree or shrub with a columnar to pyramidal shape, endemic to Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and parts of Queensland. Oval, olive to grey green leaves, 5-10 cm long. Flowering in summer and early autumn with hibiscus-like, 4-8 cm wide flowers, pale pink, fading to white. Stamens are arranged in a single, central column, typical for members of the Malvaceae (mallow family). Flowers are followed by furry seed capsules, filled with tiny hairs which are like fiber-glass splinters and cause itching and skin inflammation. Lagunaria patersonii 'Royal Purple' has crimson flowers.

Prefers a sunny position in well-draining soil. Does not like wet feet. Not suitable for heavy clay soils. Can handle considerable drought and copes well in poor soils. Ideal for coastal gardens and windy locations. Tolerates light frosts. 

Versatile plant for flower display during late summer. Suitable for screening and hedging purposes. Tends to have branches and foliage all the way along the stem from ground level, but can be grown as a clear-stemmed specimen by regularly removing new growth from the main trunk. The canopy is relatively narrow, so even though Lagunaria patersonii can grow quite tall, it is suitable for smaller spaces. Plant this tree in areas where the seed pods cannot pose problems (i.e. away from pools and public spaces, in particular those frequented by children). 

Evergreen broadly conical tree or large shrub from the Mediterranean region. Glossy, leathery leaves, highly aromatic when crushed and useful in cooking. Small, star-shaped yellowish flowers in spring, followed on female plants by green egg-shaped fruits that ripen to purplish black in autumn.

Prefers a sunny or part-shady position in well-drained soil. Leaves are darker green when grown in the shade. Remove any suckers that may be formed at the base of the plant. Hardy to -12^oC. 

Laurus nobilis lends itself perfectly for clipping and shaping. It is a popular hedge and topiary plant. You can create your own topiary specimen by selecting a plant with a good, straight central leader (as opposed to a bushy plant that has its tip removed to encourage branching).  Gradually remove side branches that are forming too low on the main stem, untill the plant has reached the height from which you wish the canopy to be formed. Now allow the side branches to grow, and, once or twice a year, trim the canopy to a ball-shape or any other shape that takes your fancy.

Large deciduous tree with a broadly conical outline. Native to southeastern United Sates, Mexico and Central America. Maple-like leaves, 7-13 cm wide, with 5 to 7 lobes and toothed margins. Spectacular autumn foliage display in shades of burgundy, red, orange and yellow. Inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring. Pendent, spiny, spherical fruits are produced by mature trees. These are green initially, turning dark brown later, and persist on the tree well after the leaves have fallen. Commercial hardwood in the US. The genus name refers to the resin exuding from the tree when wounded. Several cultivars are available with various growth habits and autumn colours.

Suitable for a sunny or partially shady, and reasonably sheltered position in any, preferably neutral to acidic soil. Copes well with less than ideal drainage. The photograph of the tree-outline in winter was taken near a stream in an area that occasionally floods. Leaves turning yellow between the veins may be an indication that the soil is too alkaline (in particular when it is also lacking in organic matter).

Striking shade tree with brilliant autumn foliage. Attractive when in fruit, especially after the leaves have fallen, but fruit litter may be a problem where Liquidambar styraciflua is planted on the lawn, next to foot paths or near gutters. There are non-fruiting cultivars, such as 'Rotundiloba'.

Deciduous tree with an upright habit when young and a rounded canopy when mature, 5-7 m tall, flowering from about 3 years of age with large, scented flowers in late winter and early spring. Developed in New Zealand by Felix Jury during the 1960s from a cross between Magnolia x soulangeana 'Lennei 'Alba' and Magnolia 'Mark Jury'. Flowers have a cup-and-saucer shape, with the outer petals opening out to form the saucer and the inner petals remaining more or less closed in a loose cup. Flowers are white, flushed with dark rosy pink-red at the base. Large green, ovate to obovate leaves.

Prefers a position in full sun or partial shade, in well-draining neutral to acidic soil. Likes a cool root-run, which over time will be provided by the shade from its own canopy. After planting, cover the ground with mulch to keep the root-zone cool. For areas with poorly drained soils, consider planting Magnolia 'Athene' in a raised bed or on a slope. Protect from strong winds. No pruning required other than shaping and removing dead branches. Frost hardy.

Excellent specimen tree, producing masses of large flowers from a young age. 

Small, upright, deciduous tree, flowering in early spring with goblet shaped, pale golden yellow flowers, 10-15 cm wide. Begins to flower on bare wood, just prior to the emergence of the new foliage. Dark green leaves to 15 cm long.

Bred in New Zealand (a Jury hybrid). The first yellow Magnolia with goblet-shaped flowers.

Prefers a sunny position in any free-draining, neutral or slightly acid soil. Requires shelter from strong winds. No pruning required, except for maintaining a good shape if necessary. Generally no pest and disease problems. Frost-hardy (at least down to -15 deg Celsius).

Magnolia 'Honey Tulip' is a stunning little tree, flowering from an early age. The flowers actually appeared more yellow in reality than they do in the photographs. This is like a yellow version of Magnolia 'Black Tulip'.

Deciduous tree with rounded canopy, flowering on bare branches from a young age during late winter and early spring. Hybrid developed in New Zealand by Felix Jury from a cross between Magnolia x soulangeana 'Lennei' and Magnolia 'Mark Jury'. Furry grey flower buds open to large bowl-shaped flowers, about 20 cm across, white inside, and flushed with pink on the outside. Conspicuous reddish stamens in the center. Ovate to obovate, fresh green leaves. 

Prefers a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Deciduous magnolias generally don't like being transplanted, so select a spot where it can stay. Cover the soil with mulch after planting to keep the roots cool. Avoid disturbing the shallow root system too much, and underplanting is not recommended until after the plant is well established.  No pruning required other than removal of dead or damaged branches, and occasional shaping. Frost hardy.

Magnificent specimen tree for flower display.