It’s hard to believe spring has arrived. We thought we’d celebrate by sharing five of our favourite small trees that really show-off in spring-time and will add colour and value to your garden.
It’s hard to go past Magnolias. Magnolia stellata or Magnolia soulangeana also known as tulip or saucer magnolia are both stunning additions to any small backyard. They are deciduous and have a compact shape which makes them a good tree for backyards in Canberra and the region.
Another TreeWorks favourite is an ornamental cherry. There are so many species and varieties it can be difficult to choose but it’s hard to go wrong with Mt Fuji Prunus ‘Shirotae’ a small to medium tree about 5m high at full height with semi-double snow white blossoms. They are all deciduous but some are more fragrant than others and some are double flowering. They also have lovely autumn coloured leaves. Prunus pendula has beautiful weeping branches while Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ is umbrella shaped or Cheales Weeping which is normally grafted onto a standard. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained spot sheltered from wind.
Japanese crab apples or Malus floribunda are also a beautiful addition to any garden all year round. Flowering in spring, lovely autumn colours followed by orange to red fruit. They reach about 6m high and a hardy and drought tolerant. Plant in full sun in fertile soil.
Cornus florida puts on a stunning display of flowers in spring with beautiful rose or white coloured flowers and vivid autumn colours. They are more fussy than the other trees we have listed and prefer a protected position with good soil.
Growing to around 14m a Manchurian Pear makes a lovely shade tree for larger backyards. It has beautiful white blossoms in spring, lovely autumn colour and loses its leaves over winter. It’s fast growing and prefers full sun.
