Edibles

An evergreen edible hedging plant, the Strawberry Guava tree has aromatic foliage and delicious fruit following large white flowers in autumn. The fruit will turn red to purple when ready for harvest, and the fruit ripens sequentially, so harvesting every three days is a good regime. The strawberry guava does not keep well, and once ripe, the fruit will need to be eaten or processed within three to four days. Fertilise in late winter, adding some sulphate of potash to improve flowering and fruiting.

Soil: Adapts to a variety of soils.
Conditions: Sunny, sheltered position. Suited to warmer climates. Frost tender. Drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2-4m x width 2-4m

Citrus limon Eureka Seedless, or Eureka Seedless Lemon, is a productive and attractive evergreen tree that brings both beauty and bounty to the garden. It features glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round appeal and a striking contrast to the bright yellow fruit. Fragrant white blossoms appear mainly in spring, with additional flushes throughout the year, attracting bees and other pollinators. The medium to large lemons are nearly seedless, juicy, and boast the classic tart flavour prized for culinary use — ideal for cooking, baking, and refreshing drinks. Forming a dense, rounded canopy of lush foliage, Eureka Seedless is an excellent choice as a specimen tree, for home orchards, or in containers on patios. Its combination of ornamental presence and reliable, high-quality fruit makes it a standout addition to any garden.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Conditions: Full sun. Adaptable to most Australian climates. Light frost tolerance.
Size: Height 3-4m x width 2-3m

Also referred to as “wild lime” or “desert kumquat”, the Desert Lime is a hardy, occasionally thorny shrub or small tree. It produces small green grape-sized fruits that pack an intensely citrus flavour! Fruits will appear soon after a showing of white, sweetly scented flowers in spring. For best results, harvest only ripe fruits — these will come away easily from the stem when gently pulled. As an Aboriginal bush food, they were eaten whole and are today considered a highly prized native fruit high in vitamin C, lutein, folate and vitamin E. You can enjoy Desert Lime in a variety of ways including marmalades, sauces, pickles and chutneys, candied peel, cocktails, and as a flavouring spice for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Drought-resistant and attractive, it’s a perfect addition to a low-maintenance garden or ornamental courtyard, and may be grown in large pots on a sunny verandah.

Soil: Well-drained sandy soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 3-6m x width 2-4m

The Persimmon Fuyu is a beautiful deciduous tree producing delicious large orange fruits with orange-red flesh. The non-astringent varieties can be picked and eaten straight from the tree just like a sweet, juicy apple, from February to May. The calyx of the fruit will start to curl up indicating the fruit is ready to be picked. In autumn, the leaves will change into a beautiful display of warm colours and slowly fall off into the hibernation of winter. Persimmons are perfect for fruit salad, baked goods, preserves, cheese platters or dried fruit.

Soil: Rich, fertile soil.
Conditions: Sheltered sunny position. Cold, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 5m x width 4m

Pyrus Williams Pear is a deciduous pear tree with fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by very juicy, medium-large fruit in March and April. Pale green at picking and ripening to a clear yellow, the sweet fruit is ideal for use in desserts, preserving or eating fresh. The variety requires a cross-pollinator to bear fruit: suitable varieties include Beurre Bosc, Winter Cole or Nijisseiki

Soil: Well-drained, well-composted soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Frost, cold and drought hardy.
Size: Height 4-10m x width 2-4m

Morus nigra, better known as the Black Mulberry, is a handsome deciduous tree with a broad, domed shape and big, thick green leaves. In season it produces small red fruits that deepen into rich purple, sweet and juicy black mulberries. While it’s loved for its fruit, this tree is just as valued for its ornamental appeal, bringing a strong, stately presence to the garden. It also throws generous shade, so if you want to enjoy its full form and canopy, be sure to give it plenty of room to spread.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, heat, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 8-12m x width 15m

Naturally Dwarf, Little Ruby is a compact growing shrub with deep green, rounded foliage and thorny stems. Little Ruby displays pale white-pink flowers in summer, followed by aromatic, green, finger-shaped fruits. Little Ruby will begin to ripen but not fully on the tree. Once picked, leave the fruit for five to ten days to completely ripen. Inside the fruits are filled with small pale red pearls of tangy juice, which have a wonderful texture and flavour. This fruit is great in summer drinks and desserts, and may also be used in chutneys, jams and marmalades. Both juice and pulp go well with fresh oysters, fish and calamari. As the tree has a slight weeping habit, it can be pruned to shape. Trees will begin to produce fruit from the second autumn of planting.

Soil: Plant in composted, well-draining soil. Mulch in spring and keep the soil moist in summer.
Conditions: It will do best in a warm, sheltered spot and can do well in dappled shade though will thrive in full sun. Tolerant of frost and dry conditions.
Size: Height 1.8m x width 1m

The Trixzie Black Cherree Miniature Cherry features dark red flesh that is firm and deliciously juicy. These vibrant trees have gorgeous white blossoms in spring that give way to round/ heart shaped cherries ready for picking in summer. The self-fertile, miniature variety has been developed for the smaller garden and is perfect for pots, patios or courtyards. Like all produce plants, correct pruning, regular fertilising and watering will result in an abundance of fruit. Trixzie will require annual pruning in winter, as this will encourage a stronger branching framework, airflow through the canopy and better fruit quality..

Soil: Well-fertilised soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Frost tolerant.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 1-1.5m