Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Ficus carica Sweet Temptation is the perfect choice for gardens where space is at a premium. One of the smallest-growing fig varieties in Australia, it offers all the flavour and charm of traditional figs in a compact, highly productive form. A prolific bearer, Sweet Temptation can produce two crops each year—one in summer and another in early winter. Early-season fruit is tear-drop shaped, while the later crop develops into plumper, rounded figs with rich red to maroon flesh. Exceptionally versatile, these delicious figs are ideal for eating fresh, and shine in cooking, baking, jams, preserves, desserts, cocktails, and on cheese platters. For best results, fertilise at planting and again once new growth appears. Prune at planting to encourage strong branching and a bushy, productive shape.

Soil: Well-drained and well-worked soil.
Conditions: Sunny position. This is the ideal variety for home gardeners as it is suited to warmer tropics as well as cooler regions
Size: Height 3m x width 3m

Bring instant tropical luxury to your garden with Plumeria rubra Red. This stunning small deciduous tree has an upright, elegant habit and produces glorious clusters of deep red-pink blooms. Their rich, velvety tones create a striking contrast against the lush green foliage, making it a true statement plant. The intoxicating fragrance of the flowers enhances any outdoor space, whether grown as a specimen tree in the garden or displayed in large decorative pots on balconies, patios, and courtyards.

Soil: Well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and coastal tolerant. It does require shelter from frost and cold winds.
Size: Height 4-6m x width 4-6m

Nectarine Fantasia is one of the best garden varieties. Fantasia produces large, yellow freestone fruit which is firm, juicy and fleshy when ripe. The flavour is sweet, tangy, and very rich. As fruit ripens late August, it turns a bright orange-red over yellow background. The crop from this lovely tree can be so abundant they may need thinning to achieve the best quality fruit. The foliage is graceful, slender and a rich shade of green. The fruit of the self-fertile nectarine can be eaten fresh, dried, made into conserves and fruit salads.

Soil: Well-drained, well-fertilised soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Low chill requirement so suitable for a wide range of climates. Cold and frost tolerant.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 2.5m

Magnolia Pinkie is a highly desirable deciduous cultivar, bred from a cross between Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’. Among the smallest of the magnolias, it produces an abundance of elegant, cup-shaped flowers in soft pink-purple tones, fading to pale pink and white toward the tips and interior. Blooming in late winter to early spring, the flowers are impressively large—reaching up to 20cm across—and carry a light, pleasant fragrance that gently perfumes the garden. The foliage is lush green through the growing season, taking on warm bronze tones in autumn. Compact and versatile, Pinkie can be grown as a small tree or pruned into a dense shrub. Its manageable size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, feature planting, or large containers where it can be enjoyed up close.

Soil: Moist, rich, fertile, well-drained. Prefers acidic soils. 
Conditions: Full sun. Coast and frost hardy.
Size: Height 3m x width 3m

The Snow Pear is a picturesque deciduous tree with masses of white spring blossoms. The emerging downy leaves become a striking silver/grey/green as they mature. The foliage provides a visual show in autumn when it becomes a beautiful deep red before falling. The Snow Pear tolerates pruning and lends itself to shaping - adding to its garden versatility. Ideally suited as an ornamental tree, shade tree, specimen tree and spectacular when planted in groves in paddocks.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil however it will tolerate poor soils.
Conditions: Full sun or part shade. It is frost, coastal and drought-tolerant once established.
Size: Height 8m x width 5m

Elevate your home orchard with the delectable Red Fuji Apple! This exceptional variety entices with its deliciously sweet and aromatic flavour, which reaches perfection when left to hang on the tree. Adorned with a dull pinkish-red blush over a green-yellow background, these apples are as beautiful as they are tasty. The firm, crisp, and juicy cream-colored flesh ensures a satisfying bite every time and boasts excellent keeping qualities. Ideal for home growers, Red Fuji is resistant to apple scab, making it a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding addition to your garden.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Conditions: Thrives in full sun. Frost and coastal tolerant. Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Size: Height 4m x width 3m

Forsythia x. Intermedia Lynwood Gold produces an amazing floral display in spring with an abundance of bright golden-yellow bell-shaped blossoms. Another spectacular show of colour is forthcoming in autumn when its leaves turn bright yellow with a hint of orange and red. A fast-growing forsythia, Lynwood Gold is perfect for growing as a shrub border or hedge and as a colourful ornamental plant. After flowering, prune flowering stems back to a lower side shoot. Apply a slow-release fertiliser after pruning.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types.
Conditions: Plant in full sun to part shade. Frost hardy.
Size: Height 2m x width 2m

The Malus domestica Gala Apple is a sweet and juicy addition to the orchard. Bright red and yellow colouration, crunch, flavour and good cropping. With good-size fruit, firm juicy flesh and excellent flavour, Gala is a popular choice for the lunchbox. Pair it up with another apple for pollination and you'll have Galas galore. The following varieties work well with Gala - Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, and Red Fuji.

Soil: Well-drained and well-worked soil.
Conditions: Sunny position. This variety is great for cool climate areas.
Size: Height 4-5m x width 4-5m