Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Dwarf Almond (Prunus dulcis syn. Prunus amygdalus) is a reliable and low-maintenance fruit tree that produces delicious almonds while remaining compact in size. Grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock, it develops an upright yet manageable growth habit, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, home orchards, or large pots and containers. Being self-fertile, only one tree is needed to produce a crop, although yields may improve when planted near other almond varieties. The tree forms an attractive open canopy and in spring it becomes a striking feature with masses of delicate white-pink blossoms. After flowering, it sets large, broad, paper-shelled almonds that mature in autumn. The nuts are ready to harvest when the outer hull begins to split open, revealing the shell inside. Thanks to its heavy cropping habit, ornamental spring display and compact size, dwarf almond is an excellent addition to productive backyard gardens where space may be limited.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Almonds require a climate with dry summer-autumn and cool winters. 
Size: Height 3m x width 3m

Acer Senkaki Maple, or Coral Bark Maple, is simply stunning with its distinctive coral-red bark that contrasts with its light green leaves in spring and summer. The foliage turns a yellow buttery-gold in autumn and the winter garden display is courtesy of the striking red bark. The maple forms a beautiful vase-shaped tree and is ideal as a specimen tree, shade tree and a contrasting tree for the garden.

Soil: Moist, well-worked soil.
Conditions: Partial shade. Protect from midday heat and drying winds in warmer climates. Frost hardy.
Size: Height 5m x width 4m

Prunus 'Alba' is a stunning grafted weeping cherry that brings timeless elegance to any garden. Its gracefully cascading branches are smothered in clusters of pure white blossoms in early spring, creating a breathtaking display before the fresh foliage emerges. Throughout summer, the large, serrated leaves provide a canopy of rich green before transforming into brilliant shades of golden yellow and orange in autumn. Compact and highly ornamental, Prunus 'Alba' makes a spectacular feature tree for small gardens, courtyards, Japanese-inspired landscapes, or avenue plantings, where its graceful form can be admired all year round.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to semi-shade. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions including heat, frost, and moderate drought.
Size: 3-5m x width 3-5m

Prunus Pink Cascade is a beautiful ornamental tree best known for its stunning floral display in early spring. The weeping branches are covered in a profusion of single musk-pink flowers which precede deep green finely textured foliage. The leaves turn brilliant burnt orange to orange-red in the autumn. Pink Cascade is spectacular as a feature plant, in a pot or as an entry display. Eventual size depends in part on the height of the ‘standard’ onto which it is grafted.

Soil: Requires fertile, humus-rich soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Heat and coastal tolerant. Light frost tolerance.
Size: Height 1.2-1.5m x width 1.2m

Prunus cerasifera Nigra, or Purple-Leaf Plum, is perfect for adding striking colour contrast and seasonal interest in mixed plantings. Its deep purple to burgundy foliage provides a beautiful backdrop throughout the growing season, while fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring create an elegant floral display. This tree with its graceful, rounded canopy makes an ideal feature tree for gardens, landscapes, streetscapes, and small yards. Its upright, well-structured form offers strong architectural appeal, and its manageable size suits urban environments. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it requires only minimal pruning to maintain shape.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types.
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. It prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established. Frost tolerant
Size: Height 4-8m x width 3-6m