Exotic Trees
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Prunus yedoensis ‘Mountain Haze’ is a compact, deciduous, round-shaped flowering cherry tree with gently arching branches. Although developed in New Zealand, this elegant cultivar traces its origins back to Japan—reflected in its botanical name yedoensis, meaning “of Yedo,” the former name for Tokyo. As the seasons shift, its green summer foliage transforms into a vibrant mix of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In early spring, the tree bursts into bloom with delicate pink flowers featuring deeper centres, creating a soft haze of colour across its bare branches. Because of its modest size—reaching approximately 6 x 5 metres, ‘Mountain Haze’ is an ideal specimen tree for smaller gardens or courtyards. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect its blossoms and foliage from harsh conditions.
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Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’, also known as the Callery Pear, is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal shape and origins in China. Its dense, upright branching supports glossy dark green foliage throughout summer, which transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and maroon in autumn. In early spring, the tree produces a stunning display of white blossoms, adding ornamental value to any landscape. This adaptable tree can be trained into standards and is well-suited for small gardens, street plantings, or mass landscaping projects. It tolerates poor drainage but performs best in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, Aristocrat is an excellent choice as a shade tree or for formal avenue planting, offering year-round interest and structure.
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A New Zealand Callery Pear variety developed in Christchurch and so being hardier to heavy frost. It forms multi-branched tree with a dense, bushy growth habit. Initially grows in a pyramidal form but later develops a broad vase shaped crown. Glossy green leaves turn bright red/burgundy in autumn. Profusion of white flowers in early spring. Makes an excellent street or avenue tree. Vigorous and hardy.
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Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’, commonly known as the Callery Pear, is a deciduous pyramidal shape tree with origins in China. Its dense branching structure supports glossy dark green leaves through summer, which transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and maroon in autumn. In early spring, the tree bursts into a profusion of white blossoms, creating a spectacular floral display. This versatile ornamental tree can be trained into standards and is ideal for small gardens, street plantings, or mass landscaping. It tolerates poor drainage but thrives best in moist, well-drained soils. Reaching approximately 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, Bradford is a beautiful choice for shade, structure, and seasonal interest.
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Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ – Weeping Silver Pear is a compact, oval-rounded ornamental tree. Its graceful, weeping branches are adorned with willow-like, narrow, silver-gray leaves, creating a striking display in any garden. In spring, the Weeping Silver Paer bursts into life with small, white blossoms that cover the tree. Although part of the pear family, its fruit is tiny, sparsely produced, and inedible. This elegant tree traces its origins back to Germany in the 1850s. Over time, it has become a popular choice for gardeners seeking beauty and adaptability. Silver pears thrive in a wide range of soils, including clay. However, they prefer moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Additionally, they tolerate light shade, making them versatile for different garden conditions. Interestingly, salicifolia translates to “leaves like a willow,” inspiring its other common name, the Willow-Leaf Pear. Growing to approximately 2 x 2 meters above the graft point, it is perfect for smaller gardens, as a standout specimen tree, planted into your favourite large pot or trimmed into a standard topiary.
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- Description
Quercus suber, commonly known as the Cork Oak, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. Renowned for its thick, rugged, and deeply fissured bark, which is harvested for cork production, this species has a gnarled, spreading habit with dark green, leathery leaves that are grayish underneath. It thrives in warm, dry climates and well-drained soils, showing excellent drought tolerance once established. The Cork Oak supports diverse wildlife, providing acorns for animals and habitat for various species. Long-lived and resilient, it is an iconic tree valued for both its ecological and economic significance, particularly in sustainable cork industries. -
A large, broadly spreading oak on a short stout trunk with large dark green leaves. Semi evergreen in warmer climates. Tolerates exposed sites, heat and drier conditions. Adapts to most soils, even heavy clays. Grows to apx 10 x 6m in 10 years, at maturity can reach between 25 x 25m. Good acorn production.
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Handsome, wide spreading deciduous tree. Rich green oblong lobed leaves turn yellow in autumn. Dry tolerant once established. Coastal-hardy and withstands exposed areas. Produces large crops of acorns. Grows to apx 10 x 6m in 10 yrs, matures to apx 25 x 14m
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Quercus coccinea – Scarlet Oak is a majestic deciduous tree that forms a large, stately specimen characterized by an oval crown and upward-reaching branches. Its glossy green, deeply lobed leaves create a lush summer canopy, while in autumn they transform into a brilliant display of scarlet red, which offers exceptional seasonal colour. In addition to its foliage, the bark develops a reddish-brown tinge during winter, adding subtle interest even in the colder months. Native to North America, this oak variety is well-suited to a range of climates. Once established, Scarlet Oak tolerates dry conditions, although it prefers moist, free-draining soil for optimal growth. With its impressive size, reaching approximately 15 x 10 metres in ideal conditions, it makes an outstanding specimen tree or a grand shade tree for larger landscapes. Whether you're designing a parkland setting or enhancing a spacious garden, Quercus coccinea brings structure, beauty, and seasonal interest to any outdoor space.
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Quercus palustris – Pin Oak (Swamp Oak) is a deciduous tree native to North America, known for its pyramidal growth habit and distinctive brownish-grey bark. Its deeply cut, glossy green leaves provide lush summer foliage, which eventually transforms into a brilliant scarlet red display in autumn. Notably, the lower branches tend to droop toward the ground, adding architectural interest to its form. The Latin name palustris translates to “of marshland” or “of swamps,” reflecting its natural preference for moist to wet, acidic soil conditions. Although it tolerates damp environments, Pin Oak thrives best in full sun. In ideal conditions, it can reach approximately 8 x 6 metres within 10 years and may grow to over 20 metres at full maturity—making it an excellent choice for large landscapes or as a commanding shade tree. Whether you're planting in parklands, spacious gardens, or wetland edges, Quercus palustris offers seasonal beauty and structural elegance.
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- Description
A very large long-lived tree, which develops a broad head of rugged open branches and dark green leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Acorns ripen and fall over autumn. Short, attractive fissured bark. Valuable timber tree of which the heartwood is much in demand for interior and furniture work. Excellent shade tree for parks, reserves, farms and open spaces. Tolerates clay soil but avoid overly wet soils. Grows to apx 10 x 6m in 10yrs. Can attain 30+ at maturity. It is native to most of Europe Height 15 x 9 Range Tall 10+ Growth Rate Moderate Plant Type Tree Shape Round Country of Origin Europe Similar to Consider Q Coccinea, Q Robur fastigiata, Platanus acerifolia - Leaf
Leaf Colour Green Deciduous Leaf Colour Yellow and Golden - Flower
Flower Colour Insignificant - Uses
Specimen Yes Good Shade Tree? Yes Note: Growth, height and grade information are given in good faith but are subject to natural variables beyond our control. -
- Description
A narrow-upright, columnar, form of English Oak. Very upright branches have dark green leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Acorns ripen and fall over autumn. Becomes more pyramidal as the tree matures. Excellent for avenue plantings and smaller spaces. Tolerates clay soil but avoid overly wet soils. Grows to apx 8 x 3m in 10yrs. Can attain 20 x 4m at maturity. Height Width 8 x 3 Range Medium 5-10m Growth Rate Moderate Plant Type Tree Shape Narrow Country of Origin Europe Similar to Consider Betula var. Cupressus totem, Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, Olea El Greco, Knightia Excelsa, Acer Bowall, Poplar crow’s nest, Carpinus betulus fastigiata - Leaf
Leaf Colour Green Deciduous Leaf Colour Golden - Flower
Flower Insignificant - Uses
Specimen Yes Accent Yes Screening / Shelter Yes Note: Growth, height and grade information are given in good faith but are subject to natural variables beyond our control. -
Forms large specimen with broad spreading branches. In spring, new leaves emerge deep, rich red before maturing into large, vibrant green foliage over summer. Autumn sees a change of colour to spectacular dark red or orange colours. Good specimen or shade tree for larger areas. Apx 10 x 7 in 10 yrs, matures to apx 20m
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Quercus suber, commonly known as Cork Oak, is a striking evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It grows large with a short stem and wide-spreading canopy, making it a bold feature in any landscape. Notably, its thick, rugged bark is deeply fissured and harvested for cork production. This unique trait makes it both functional and visually captivating. The tree displays a gnarled, spreading habit with dark green, leathery leaves that reveal a grayish underside. As a result, it adds texture and contrast throughout the year. Thriving in warm, dry climates, Cork Oak prefers well-drained soils and shows excellent drought tolerance once established. It can reach over 15 metres at full maturity. Moreover, its dramatic form and historical use make it an excellent conversation piece. Interestingly, the Latin word suber translates to “cork bark.”
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Quince ‘Smyrna’ (Cydonia oblonga ‘Smyrna’) is a deciduous tree, or multi-stemmed shrub, with lush dark green foliage. In late spring, it produces very showy blossoms that bring seasonal charm and elegance to the garden. The fruit is exceptionally large, oblong-pear shaped, and golden yellow. Highly aromatic, it becomes tender and sweet when cooked. Traditionally used in marmalades, jellies, and candies, it is now also prized for pastes and other culinary creations. Fruit from this variety stores well, ensuring long enjoyment. Self-fertile and harvested around March, it provides reliable yields without requiring a pollinator, making it a practical choice for home orchards. Quince has been cultivated since ancient times. Interestingly, the ‘Smyrna’ variety is believed to have originated near the historic city of Smyrna, now modern-day Izmir in Turkey, giving it a rich cultural heritage. Growing to approximately 4m high and wide, it is perfectly suited to smaller gardens. With its manageable size and ornamental appeal, it makes an excellent fruit tree for courtyards and compact landscapes.
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Quince 'Van Deman' is an attractive tree, or multi-stemmed shrub, which features dark green foliage and very showy blossoms in late spring. With its fast growth and elegant form, it quickly becomes a highlight in the garden. The fruit is large, oblong-pear shaped, and bright yellow-orange. Its pale yellow flesh offers a good, spicy flavour. Early ripening and heavy bearing, it proves hardier than many other cultivars, making it a reliable choice for home orchards. Traditionally, quince has been used in marmalades, jellies, and candies. Today, it is also sought after for pastes and other culinary creations. When cooked, the fruit becomes tender and sweet, while its excellent keeping quality ensures long enjoyment. The Van Deman quince was developed in the United States in the 1890s by horticulturist Luther Burbank, who named it after Dr. H.E. Van Deman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This variety thrives in deep, fertile, well-draining soil. Self-fertile and harvested around March, it grows to approximately 4m high and wide, offering a manageable size for smaller gardens.
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Salix babylonica, commonly known as Weeping Willow, is a medium to large deciduous tree with a wide-spreading canopy. Its graceful, pendulous branches carry narrow, light green leaves that cascade to the ground. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a soft yellow, adding seasonal charm. In spring, slender catkins emerge alongside fresh leaves, attracting bees and enhancing biodiversity. Because of its fast growth and tolerance for wet soil, this tree thrives near streams, ponds, or in damp areas. It also makes an excellent shade tree for large gardens or in farmland for animals. Weeping Willow prefers full sun and typically grows to around 12 metres tall and 12 metres wide, offering both beauty and function
