I always find it tough to decide on my favorite shade tree. I love both the Delonix regia (Poinciana) and the Gleditsia triacanthus 'Shademaster'. They both deliver a similar shape but the red flowers of the Poinciana are just gorgeous. The Poinciana won't grow everywhere, so the Gleditsia fits the bill when a shady spreading tree is required. The Poinciana likes it hot, and protected from the strong easterly winds. The Gledistia will just grow anywhere, but has a small insignificant yellow flower and is much faster growing. Both trees will require plenty of room to expand and stretch out their branches, so dont plant to closely to your home!
A mature Poinciana in flower. Just luscious!
A newly planted 100Lt Gledistia triacanthos 'Shademaster'
For a screening tree for tight spaces I love the Prunus calleryana 'Crimson Spire'. This tree is tall and narrow and fits down the tight sides of houses and can provide privacy from overlooking second storey windows. Or just take the ugly neighbours roof from your view.
Newly planted 45 Lt Crimson Spires
My favorite feature tree has got to be the Frangipani. Such pretty fragrant flowers, big glossy leaves and the most amazing architectural shapes.....no 2 ever the same. They look just as good naked as when they rare full of leaves and flower.
A very naked Frangipani in a central courtyard.
Every garden must have at least one Citrus... Lemon, Lime, Orange or Mandarin. I have a Blood Orange, a Tahitian Lime and a Meyer Lemon, all in pots, in my tiny back courtyard. This year they are all fruiting really well, and are just on 2 years in the pots. And you cant beat having a constant supply of citrus when needed!
45Lt Citrus trees
For by a pool you can't go past the Magnolia 'Little Gems' or a new variety that I have started using is 'Teddy Bear'. They don't dump their leaves in the pool and are lovely lush and green all year round.
A Magnolia Litte Gem
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