Exotics & Ornamentals

Bougainvillea Scarlet O'Hara is a vigorous evergreen climber with a profusion of orange bracts with dark red shading. The flowers are displayed from October to May. Bougainvilleas are colourful semi-deciduous vines with long-lasting flowers that add a tropical feel to any garden setting. Ideal for climbing over garden structures and for screening walls and fences. Prune after flowering to promote fresh new growth and continuous blooms.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, heat and coastal tolerant. Frost tender.
Size: Height 6m x width 5m

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as New Zealand Rock Lily, is a versatile evergreen perennial valued for its graceful clumping habit and attractive blue-green foliage. The broad, arching leaves provide year-round structure and colour, creating a lush, tidy appearance in both garden beds and containers. During spring and summer, elegant stems rise above the foliage carrying clusters of star-shaped white flowers that add a soft, delicate display while attracting pollinators to the garden. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, underplanting beneath deciduous trees, informal edging and feature containers. Occasional removal of spent flower stems and damaged foliage will keep plants looking their best. 

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types though not wet soils.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and coastal tolerant - protect from frost.
Size: Height 0.90m x width 0.90m

The Manchurian Pear is a popular and highly adaptable tree, widely grown across Australia for its year-round ornamental appeal. In spring, it bursts into life with masses of delicate white blossoms, creating a stunning seasonal display. As the seasons progress, the tree develops lush, glossy green foliage. The oval leaves, edged with fine serrations, provide dense summer shade before transforming dramatically in autumn. At this time, the canopy turns a rich, deep red, delivering a striking display of colour. Following the spring bloom, small fruits appear. While generally not enjoyed by humans, they are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. Versatile and reliable, the Manchurian Pear is ideal as an ornamental feature, shade tree, specimen planting, or for use in avenues, farms, and streetscapes.

Soil: Well-drained soil. Water in well and keep the soil moist until the tree is established. Fertilize when planting and again after new growth appears. Prune the tree when planting to encourage new growth.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Frost hardy and can tolerate dry periods though fruiting will diminish
Size: Height 9m x width 7m

Metrosideros thomasii, or the New Zealand Christmas Bush, is an outstanding shrub/ small tree with soft leaves that are grey-green and velvety to the touch. The stunning vivid flowers consist of a mass of brilliant crimson red stamens during spring and summer and often sporadically throughout the year. The vibrant shrub makes an eye-catching hedge or a specimen plant. Prune lightly after flowering is finished. Fertilise with native-plant fertiliser in early spring and at planting.

Soil: Well-drained clay loams or sandy soil with a neutral to acid pH.
Conditions: Plant in full sun for rich foliage colour and prolific flowering. Drought, coastal, wind and salt tolerant.
Size: Height 4-6m x width 5m

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