Garden ornaments, pots, urns, sculptures… these are in fashion one year and considered dated the next.
Why not avoid this and include a timeless feature in your garden? Looking for a feature tree that will not take over?
Below are a few of our favourite feature trees:
Japanese Weeping Maple – Acer palmatum var. dissectum
A stunning feature plant! Almost continuously changing throughout the seasons. A deciduous that will lose its leaves, yet is always an interesting arrangement of branches begging to be lit up at night. The trunk is grafted, meaning the height of the tree is limited, so no surprises with the tree doubling in size. If the tree suits the space now, it will more than likely suit the space in years to come. The delicately shaped leaves appear in spring and last through to autumn.
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ & ‘Teddy Bear’
A popular tree for good reason. These evergreens will keep their leaves year round. A dark green top leaf and a wonderful textured, rusty brown underside. The Magnolia flowers are a personal favourite. Hand-sized, creamy white flowers that are an amazing feature. The ‘Little Gem’ will eventually grow up to 6m and the ‘Teddy Bear’ up to 4m. Magnolia’s work well as a single specimen, a formal row or as a large hedge. They enjoy full sun, the more shade they get the less dense the growth habit will be.
Crepe Myrtle ‘Indian Summer Series’
Another deciduous tree, the Crepe Myrtle is a popular choice for a flowering tree that will not get too big.
Available in many colours ranging from white, through shades of pink and purple. Mainly growing to around 3-4 metres, there are also varieties that grow to 1m tall. Lagerstoemia ‘Orlando Purple’ are popular in formal and Asian themed gardens in full sun locations.
Dragon Tree – Dracaena draco
Not your typical tree, but what a feature specimen. A multi stem Dracaena will definitely draw the attention it deserves. Preferring full sun, this slow growing tree is suitable near the coast.
The tree looks sensational when lit up from below or planted in front of a feature wall. The tree has long blade-like leaves and is used as a foliage plant. It will however flower and when this occurs, the branch is likely to divide and branching will occur.
Pleached Trees
Not used enough in my opinion! Pleached trees look great. They have the benefit of a clear trunk, so when used along a path they don’t obstruct the view from either side.
A wonderful tree to create an avenue or to frame a property entrance.
Popular pleached trees include:
1. Pyrus ussuriensis Ornamental Pear
2. Pyrus salicifolia ‘Nivalis’ Ornamental Snow Pear
3. Lauris nobilis Bay Leaf
4. Podocarpus elatus Plum Pine
Written by Nick Mason – Residential Construction
