Tree form does more for a garden than colour or texture ever will. A weeping tree changes the energy of a courtyard. A narrow upright tree fits where nothing else can. A vase shape opens a view. A rounded canopy anchors a lawn. Here are five trees that demonstrate the five most useful forms.
1. Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' — weeping form
Silver Princess gives the weeping form. Silver-blue foliage drapes from a slender trunk, and large pink flowers hang in pendulous clusters through winter and spring. The most graceful weeping native available.
Stake at planting and choose a sheltered position through the first two years for the strongest establishment.
2. Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' — narrow upright form
Little Gem gives the narrow upright form. A compact Magnolia grandiflora cultivar with glossy dark green foliage, bronze undersides, and fragrant white summer flowers. The narrow form fits tight spots where a regular Magnolia would not.
Water deeply through dry summers in the first two years to settle the roots.
3. Brachychiton populneus — upright tapered form
Kurrajong gives the upright tapered form. A native evergreen with a bottle-shaped trunk on a smaller scale than rupestris, glossy poplar-like foliage, and a strongly upright habit useful as a shade or feature tree.
Allow space for the canopy to develop. Plant in free-draining soil.
4. Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez' — multi-stem vase form
Natchez gives the multi-stem vase form. Several trunks rise from the base and open into a wide vase shape covered in white summer flowers. Cinnamon trunks read strongly in winter when the tree is bare.
Plant in full sun for the strongest flowering. Mulch out to the drip line.
5. Acer rubrum 'October Glory' — rounded broad-crowned form
October Glory gives the rounded broad-crowned form. A tall deciduous maple with a strong vertical trunk and a symmetrical rounded crown. The form scales up cleanly for avenues and feature lawns.
Give it at least 4m from buildings and paths so the canopy has room to mature. Water deeply through the first three summers.
Choosing the right form
Match the form to the job. Weeping for a courtyard or pool. Narrow upright for tight verticals. Upright tapered as a feature with character. Vase for a flowering centrepiece. Rounded for shade and presence at scale.
FAQs
Which form works best for a small courtyard?
Silver Princess weeping or Little Gem narrow upright. Both work in tight spaces.
Which form gives the most shade?
October Glory rounded canopy delivers shade at scale.
Are these trees low maintenance?
All five are low maintenance once established. Each needs deep watering through the first two summers.
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