Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Black currant is a small hardy attractive deciduous shrub that fruits in early summer. The black currant canes will grow vigorously in their first year and then flower and fruit in the second year. Multiple branches produce an abundance of flowers, which are coloured pale yellow, that develop into small dark purple glossy berries. Grow the black currant canes against a wall or a fence, or support with a fence or trellis. The berries are used to make jams, jellies and juices and are a fantastic natural concentrated source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil. Dig through plenty of organic matter or well-broken-down animal manure before planting.
Conditions: Black currants prefer a full sun position and give shelter from strong hot winds. Best grown in areas with a cold winter as a ‘chilling period’ will assist fruit set.
Size: Height 1m x width 0.60m

The Weeping Willow is a graceful deciduous tree long admired for its delicate, cascading branches that sweep toward the ground. Its slender leaves shimmer with a soft, silvery-green tone through the warmer months before turning a brilliant yellow in autumn, creating a striking seasonal display. Forming a broad, rounded canopy, the Weeping Willow adds height, movement, and elegance to large landscapes. It is especially suited to planting near ponds, creeks, or dams where its extensive root system can help stabilise soil and reduce erosion along the water’s edge. Because of these vigorous roots, it’s best planted well away from houses, underground pipes, and electrical lines. Given plenty of space, this majestic tree becomes a beautiful focal point and a valuable addition to expansive gardens and naturalistic settings.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types and will tolerate boggy areas.
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Frost, drought, wind and pollution tolerant.
Size: Height 10m x width 10m

Australian Red Cedar is a fast-growing, deciduous Australian native tree prized for its majestic form and highly valued dark red timber. Toona ciliata features textured grey bark and attractive new growth flushed with rich russet-red tones, creating beautiful seasonal colour. In spring and summer, clusters of small white fragrant flowers appear amongst the foliage, followed by woody seed capsules that release light winged seeds carried by the breeze. In sheltered forest conditions it develops a tall, straight trunk, while in open areas it forms a broader spreading canopy ideal for providing generous summer shade. A superb choice for large gardens, rural properties and paddocks, Australian Red Cedar makes an impressive feature tree with excellent shade and habitat value.

Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained sites.
Conditions: Prefers a warm, wind-protected area in full sun. Frosty hardy and thrives in temperate regions.
Size: Height 8-20m x width 6-8m

The dwarf Satsuma Plum is a small, well-shaped deciduous tree that produces masses of fragrant pink and white blossoms in early spring, creating a beautiful display before the fruit appears. This attractive variety develops striking red-purple clingstone plums with firm, juicy flesh and a distinctive sweet, slightly spicy flavour. Harvesting occurs in mid to late summer, making it a reliable mid-season fruiting variety. The plums are excellent for eating fresh straight from the tree and are also well suited to preserving, stewing, and making jams. For the best fruit production, Satsuma requires a cross-pollinating plum variety nearby. Suitable pollinators include Santa Rosa, Mariposa, Ruby Blood, and Narrabeen.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Frost, heat and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 2.5m

One of the best deciduous trees for cool to temperate climates, Gingko Bilboa Autumn Gold has an attractive pyramidical habit and striking lime green foliage that changes to a lovely buttery yellow in autumn. The slow-growing ginkgo trees make an excellent feature tree, or they can be grown in small groups to create an enchanting landscape in larger gardens. Old trees sometimes produce downward-growing protuberances or aerial roots from the trunks and lower branches, known as chi-chi. These can reach the ground and take root.

Soil: Deep fertile soil rich in organic matter
Conditions: Full sun and protect from strong winds. Ideally plant in cool to temperate climates - south of Sydney. Young trees need deep, regular watering until established.
Size: Height 25m x width 6-8m

The Pink Lady Apple produces delicious fruit with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Each apple develops an attractive pink blush over a green-yellow background and delivers a crisp, audible crunch with a burst of refreshing juice. Renowned as one of the world’s favourite eating apples, Pink Lady has firm flesh and bright acidity, making it excellent both fresh and in cooking. Developed in Western Australia, this variety performs well in warm climates and is well suited to Australian growing conditions..Plant trees during winter while dormant to help them establish strong roots. Pink Lady apple trees generally take around 3–4 years to begin producing fruit, as the branches need time to mature and build sufficient nutrient reserves for fruiting. For the best harvests, plant a cross pollinator nearby - Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Dorsett Golden are all excellent choices. 

Soil: Well-drained, rich soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Protect from strong wind. Light frost tolerance.
Sizes: Height 3m x width 2.5m