Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Hydrangea paniculata Pink Diamond is a magnificent, award-winning panicle hydrangea with large conical flower heads 20cm to 30cm long. The impressive blooms emerge creamy white slowly ageing to deep pink as the garden moves into autumn. Pink Diamond is a hardy shrub with strong stems ensuring that flowers are held proudly upright from later summer through to the autumn season. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant colour to their landscapes. Plant as an impressive mass planting, hedge or specimen for the smaller garden.

Soil: Add plenty of organic matter to the soil and you will be rewarded with masses of stunning blooms. Plant in good loamy soil that is moisture-retentive
Conditions: Full sun to semi shade to shade. Morning sun to afternoon shade.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 2m

Corylus avellana Contorta is a fascinating tree that deserves a prominent position in the garden. It is commonly called the Contorted Filbert and the reason becomes apparent after leaf drop when the twisted branches are clearly visible, adding a dramatic sculptural presence to the landscape. The foliage is light green with serrated edges and turns a deep yellow in autumn. In winter, yellow hanging catkins are produced on the bare branches. Crazy Filbert is ideal for growing in a mixed sunny border or front garden, where its winter structure can be fully appreciated. The twisted stems are popular for floral arrangements.

Soil: Most soil types
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Drought, frost, wind and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2-4m x width 4m

Widely admired for its spectacular spring display, Malus ioensis Plena—commonly known as Bechtel’s Crab Apple—is a small deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading habit. In spring, masses of fragrant, bright pink double flowers burst from rosy buds, creating a breathtaking floral show. Through autumn, the foliage turns rich shades of burnt orange and red before falling, adding a second season of colour. A superb choice as a feature tree for smaller gardens or landscapes where space is limited. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. 

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil with a low pH
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; frost and drought tolerant
Size: 6m H × 4m W

Cotinus coggygria Flame Smoke Bush is a stunning medium-sized shrub. The rounded foliage of mid-green is highlighted by feathery plumes of silvery white in summer - changing into flowers described as "puffs of rose-coloured smoke ". The foliage of this spectacular deciduous shrub changes into fabulous shades of bright orange, red and yellow in autumn before falling. This hardy and interesting shrub will provide a colourful backdrop for the whole year.

Soil: Plant in well-drained and worked soil. Take care to plant the bud union and above the soil level. Water in well and keep the soil moist until the tree is established. Fertilise when planting and again after the new growth
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Frost, coastal and drought hardy.
Size: Height 4m x width 3m

Cornus Eric Gennett is a beautiful hybrid of Japanese dogwood and evergreen dogwood. This rare dogwood is a stunning, semi-deciduous tree producing a display of delightful, large four-petaled white and pink flowers. In spring through to summer, the flowers are a creamy white and slowly change into a delicate pink as they mature. Pink, strawberry-like fruits arrive late in summer, attracting an abundance of birdlife to the garden. Eric Gennett’s lush green foliage will turn fiery oranges, reds and pinks in autumn but will keep most of these leaves in mild climates. In cold climates, these leaves will drop and buds will be ready to sprout in spring.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Suitable for subtropical through to temperate cool climates. Mildly frost tolerant.
Size: Height 5m x width 5m

Jelly Bean® Brazelberry is a dwarf blueberry ideal for the courtyard for ease of harvesting. Forming a nice, compact mound, Jelly Bean displays white, bell-shaped flowers that mature into large, flavourful blueberries that taste like sweet homemade blueberry jam. The foliage has unique, elongated green leaves with highlights of red in cooler climates and turns yellow and red in autumn before falling. Try a mini-hedge along a pathway, plant en masse in the landscape or in decorative patio containers. Prune annually, removing dead or non-fruiting wood to promote dense growth and berry production.

Soil: Rich, well-drained acidic soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Shelter from harsh, reflected afternoon sun in hot summer areas. Recommended winter chill: 1,000 hours. Frost tolerant
Size: Height 0.30m x width 0.30m

Betula Moss White is a variation of the famous Silver Birch tree, known for its radiant white bark and elegant, drooping branches. The tree's fine, bright green foliage takes on a luminous pale yellow hue in autumn, creating a lovely softness to the tree. To showcase the stately white trunks and branching structure, consider planting it in groups or avenues. When pruning, it's important to do it in summer or autumn, and avoid pruning in winter or spring to prevent profuse 'bleeding'.

Soil: This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Keep in mind that birches have shallow roots, so make sure to provide adequate watering during summer.
Conditions: The tree prefers to be planted in areas with sun to part-shade. It can tolerate short periods of wet and dry, and can withstand frost and coastal environments. However, it's important to protect it from hot winds.
Size: Height 10-11m x width 6m

Cotinus coggygria Dusky Maiden is a compact and striking Smoke Bush valued for its deep purple foliage and its distinctive, airy flower plumes that create a soft, smoky effect through the warmer months. In spring, new leaves emerge a rich burgundy and hold their colour well into summer. Early in the season, clusters of tiny pale pink to purple flowers rise above the foliage and develop into the large, misty plumes that give the plant its name. As summer moves into autumn, these billowy plumes mature into smoky seed heads, while the foliage shifts to brilliant shades of red and orange before falling. In winter, the plant becomes bare and structural, with its leafless stems adding shape and contrast to the seasonal landscape. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a standalone feature, it brings bold colour and graceful texture to the garden.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought, frost, and coastal tolerant. Shelter from searing heat and wind.
Size: Height 1.5m x width 1.5m