Summer in Australia brings long days, bright light, and warm evenings — the perfect setting for trees that provide shade, colour, and seasonal character. Whether you’re refreshing your garden design or introducing a new statement feature, these five trees thrive through the summer months, bringing form, texture, and life to your landscape.
1. Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle)
A classic summer performer, Lagerstroemia indica bursts into bloom when many other trees are resting. With its clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers and smooth, mottled bark, the Crepe Myrtle is a statement piece for any garden.
Key Features:
Height: 4–8m
Width: 3–5m
Flowers: Pink, white, red, or mauve, mid-to-late summer
Foliage: Lush green turning orange-red in autumn
Best For: Seasonal colour, feature planting, small gardens
Why It’s Special:
Crepe Myrtles thrive in full sun and offer stunning flowers through the height of summer, followed by brilliant autumn colour and decorative bark in winter — a year-round showpiece.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Elaeocarpus eumundii for contrast between fine evergreen texture and bold seasonal bloom.
Tips for Planting:
Plant as a standalone feature in full sun or in pairs flanking a driveway or entry. Prune lightly in winter to maintain shape and encourage dense flowering.
2. Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)
An Australian summer icon, the Jacaranda covers itself in clouds of lilac-blue flowers that carpet the ground beneath in colour. Its soft, feathery foliage and open canopy make it ideal for creating dappled shade.
Key Features:
Height: 8–12m
Width: 6–8m
Flowers: Lavender-blue, late spring to early summer
Foliage: Fine, fern-like green leaves
Best For: Feature planting, shade, streetscapes
Why It’s Special:
Few trees capture the essence of summer like the Jacaranda. It’s both elegant and nostalgic, offering a canopy of cool shade and a floral display that defines the Australian urban summer.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Eucalyptus cinerea — the silver foliage enhances the purple-blue blossoms for a soft, coastal-inspired palette.
Tips for Planting:
Plant as a specimen tree in lawns or courtyards where fallen flowers can be appreciated. Allow space for the canopy to spread — around 6–8m.
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3. Lagerstroemia fauriei x indica ‘Natchez’ (White Crepe Myrtle)
A refined hybrid, Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ delivers pure white summer flowers and attractive cinnamon-toned bark. It’s a popular choice for brightening gardens and pairing with darker evergreens.
Key Features:
Height: 5–7m
Width: 4m
Flowers: Pure white, summer
Foliage: Glossy green, orange-red in autumn
Best For: Formal gardens, contrast planting, small landscapes
Why It’s Special:
‘Natchez’ offers the elegance of white flowers that illuminate garden spaces during summer’s peak. Its multi-season appeal and manageable size make it one of the best small feature trees for warm climates.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Waterhousia floribunda for contrast between bright white blooms and lush green, weeping foliage.
Tips for Planting:
Ideal as a pair along garden paths or driveways, or as a single specimen in compact gardens. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
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4. Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’
Compact and hardy, Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’ produces masses of pink to red flowers through summer that attract birds and pollinators. Its neat form and silvery foliage suit modern Australian gardens perfectly.
Key Features:
Height: 5–7m
Width: 4–5m
Flowers: Pink to red, summer
Foliage: Silvery-green
Best For: Wildlife gardens, street trees, modern landscapes
Why It’s Special:
‘Euky Dwarf’ combines native hardiness with high ornamental value. Its flowers provide a burst of summer colour, while its manageable size makes it ideal for suburban gardens.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Banksia integrifolia for an all-native summer display of colour and texture.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in groups of three for balanced screening, or as a pair near entrances. Water regularly until established, then enjoy its low-maintenance growth.
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5. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’
Compact and evergreen, Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ brings elegance to summer gardens with its glossy leaves and creamy white, perfumed flowers. It’s one of the most versatile magnolias for Australian conditions.
Key Features:
Height: 4–6m
Width: 3–4m
Flowers: Creamy white, lightly fragrant, summer
Foliage: Glossy green with bronze undersides
Best For: Feature planting, evergreen structure, courtyards
Why It’s Special:
‘Little Gem’ flowers reliably through summer, adding fragrance and visual luxury to coastal and suburban gardens alike. Its neat growth habit makes it ideal for hedging or standalone use.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Elaeocarpus eumundii for contrast — the Magnolia’s broad, glossy leaves complement the fine texture of the Blueberry Ash.
Tips for Planting:
Plant as a single feature or in rows for screening. Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Apply mulch to retain summer moisture.
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Final Thoughts
Summer gardens are all about texture, colour, and shade. From the sculptural blooms of Crepe Myrtle to the glossy green elegance of Magnolia ‘Little Gem’, these trees elevate your outdoor space and keep it looking vibrant through the warmest months.
Planted in pairs or clusters, they’ll bring seasonal drama, cooling shade, and timeless beauty to your summer landscape.
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