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.
Black currants have a tart taste when eaten raw so are usually used in cooking. The berries are used to make jams, jellies and juices. They 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: Best grown in areas with a cold winter as a ‘chilling period’ will assist fruit set. Black currants prefer a full sun position and give shelter from strong hot winds.
Size: Height 1m x width 0.60m

The stunning, deciduous Golden Ash is a small to medium specimen tree with year-round beauty and intrigue. Golden Ash has a naturally rounded crown with soft yellow foliage, turning greener before turning a brilliant yellow in summer and gold in autumn. Once the leaves fall, the young branches continue the show with brilliant yellow colouring contrasted against distinctive black buds. Golden Ash can be used in small and large gardens as avenue plantings, paddocks, shade and park trees, planted on mass, or in a large pot.

Soil: Adaptable to wet and dry soils.
Conditions: Full sun. Great for both temperate and cold regions. Frost, wind and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 7m x width 7m

Heavily curled green leaves bring remarkable texture and architectural form to Acer palmatum Shishigashira, commonly known as the Lion’s Head Maple. Its small, densely crinkled foliage emerges a rich deep green in spring and summer, creating a lush, compact canopy. As the seasons cool, the leaves transform into a striking blend of gold, rose and crimson, delivering a brilliant autumn display. Naturally upright in habit, this variety develops unusual short, stubby branches that contribute to its sculptural, almost cloud-like appearance. Slow growing and densely structured, it becomes increasingly characterful with age. Highly prized for bonsai, it is equally impressive in decorative pots, courtyards and small gardens where its strong form can be appreciated year-round. An elegant feature tree that offers structure, texture and seasonal colour in even the most compact spaces.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil. Cultivate well before planting with compost/cow manure and mulch well after planting.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Protect from hot winds. Frost hardy when established..
Size: Height 2-3m x width 1.5-2m

Stella Cherry is a beautiful deciduous fruit tree that produces a stunning display of white spring blossoms, followed by an abundant crop of dark red, juicy cherries. The fruit ripens in early summer—perfect timing for festive desserts like a classic Christmas pavlova. Stella is a self-fertile variety, meaning only one tree is needed to produce a reliable harvest, making it an excellent choice for home gardens and small orchards. Compared with many cherry varieties, it also requires lower chill hours, allowing it to perform well in milder climates such as the NSW South Coast. With its attractive spring flowers, productive fruiting habit, and adaptability to warmer regions, Stella Cherry is both a decorative and rewarding tree for Australian gardens.

Soil: Widely adaptable to a broad range of soil types 
Conditions: Full sun (for larger harvests). Frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 5m x width 2m

Masses of double ruby-pink flowers grace the Wychwood Ruby in early spring, followed by small red fruits in summer. The leaves emerge a ruby red before fading to green for summer. The foliage provides year-round interest and provides an excellent feature or screening tree. This crab apple tree is very easy to grow, making Wychwood Ruby a gardener's delight.

Soil: Can tolerate a wide range of soil types
Conditions: This species thrives in full sun or part shade positions, and is drought and frost tolerant.
Size: Height: 4m x width 2.5m

The Illawarra Flame Tree is one of the most spectacular Australian native trees. The leaves are shed before flowering in late spring to summer, and the bright red bell-shaped flowers grow in glowing clusters at the end of branches- creating a glorious and riotous display. Once flowering is finished, large black, boat-shaped seed pods are produced. (It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the seed pods). The Flame Tree does not always flower annually and will put on its best display maybe only once every five years, especially after a hot dry summer. In between these times, they may only produce one or two branches of flowers on the whole tree.

Soil: Can tolerate most soils including heavy soils to rocky infertile soils.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Coastal, drought and light frost tolerant
Size: Height 10-40m x width 5-15m

Viburnum plicatum ‘Tomentosum’, or Japanese Snowball Bush, is a striking deciduous shrub admired for its distinctive tiered form and elegant seasonal displays. In spring, broad clusters of white lacecap flowers are gracefully borne along the horizontally layered branches, contrasting beautifully with the dark green, textured foliage. As the seasons progress, the leaves transform to rich shades of purple and red, adding a vibrant autumn display before falling. Tomentosum brings a refined, architectural quality to the garden. Ideal as a specimen plant, within mixed borders, as a backdrop for smaller shrubs, or featured in cottage and woodland gardens, it lends dynamic structure and year-round interest to any landscape.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. It is a hardy plant that will tolerate dry periods, coastal conditions, frost, and cool climates.
Size: Height 3m x width 2.5m

A spring flowering, deciduous shrub, Viburnum burkwoodii Anne Russell has magnificent flowers and a wonderful fragrance. The flowers appear in clusters of large white tubular blossoms surrounded by mid-green foliage.
Try to grow Anne Russell where the fragrance can be appreciated, so near a pathway is a great choice. It is ideal in containers as well as cottage gardens.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun with a little afternoon shade. Frost, drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2m x width 2m