As the weather warms and days lengthen, late spring through summer brings an incredible flush of blooms across Australia. If you’re planting now, you can enjoy flowers right through to Christmas - a burst of colour, scent, and texture in your garden at the most social time of year.
Here are seven trees and shrubs that flower beautifully between now and Christmas - all available to order now from Evergreen Trees Direct.
1. Lagerstroemia fauriei x indica ‘Natchez’ (White Crepe Myrtle)
With its masses of white summer flowers and smooth, cinnamon-toned bark, Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ is one of the finest feature trees for bright, modern landscapes.
Key Features:
Height: 5–7m
Width: 4m
Flowers: White, mid-spring through summer
Foliage: Glossy green turning orange-red in autumn
Best For: Formal gardens, driveways, courtyard features
Why It’s Special:
‘Natchez’ blooms prolifically through summer, adding light and contrast to any garden. The white flowers shimmer in heat, complementing coastal and contemporary spaces alike.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ for a classic combination of creamy blooms and crisp white flower clusters.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in full sun for best flowering, with good airflow around the canopy. Water regularly through establishment.
Shop Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ now
2. Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’ (Pink Crepe Myrtle)
For a splash of colour, Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ bursts into deep coral-pink blooms through summer. It’s a striking tree that handles heat beautifully.
Key Features:
Height: 4–6m
Width: 3–5m
Flowers: Coral-pink, summer
Foliage: Green turning red-orange in autumn
Best For: Colour contrast, feature planting, driveways
Why It’s Special:
‘Tuscarora’ is one of the longest-flowering Crepe Myrtles, with vibrant blooms that last from November into February. Perfect for gardens that need impact and vibrancy during the festive season.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Jacaranda mimosifolia - the combination of soft mauve and coral-pink flowers is captivating.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in full sun and prune lightly in winter to promote new flowering wood.
Shop Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ now
3. Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)
Few trees announce summer like the Jacaranda. With its ethereal lavender-blue flowers and fine, ferny foliage, it transforms the garden into a haze of colour from late spring.
Key Features:
Height: 8–12m
Width: 6–8m
Flowers: Purple-blue, late spring to early summer
Foliage: Fine, fern-like green leaves
Best For: Feature planting, shade, streetscapes
Why It’s Special:
The Jacaranda’s flowering coincides perfectly with the start of summer, filling gardens and streets with colour and light. It provides both visual drama and dappled shade - ideal for outdoor living areas.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Crepe Myrtles for an extended flowering display that bridges spring and summer.
Tips for Planting:
Plant as a standalone feature in lawns or open spaces. Avoid planting near pools if leaf drop is a concern.
Shop Jacaranda mimosifolia now
4. Murraya paniculata (Mock Orange)
A fragrant evergreen shrub or small tree, Murraya paniculata produces clusters of white, jasmine-scented flowers repeatedly through the warmer months.
Key Features:
Height: 2–4m
Width: 2–3m
Flowers: White, fragrant, spring to autumn
Foliage: Glossy green, dense and fine
Best For: Hedging, screening, courtyards
Why It’s Special:
Murraya blooms multiple times a year - including right through summer - ensuring your garden always looks fresh and fragrant. It’s perfect for adding scent near outdoor entertaining spaces.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Gardenias for a beautifully perfumed summer garden.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in full sun to part shade, trim lightly after flowering, and feed twice a year for dense growth.
5. Gardenia augusta (Gardenia)
A beloved evergreen shrub, Gardenia augusta fills summer gardens with creamy white, intensely fragrant blooms.
Key Features:
Height: 1–2m
Width: 1–2m
Flowers: White, highly fragrant, summer
Foliage: Glossy dark green
Best For: Courtyards, borders, scented gardens
Why It’s Special:
Gardenias offer unmatched fragrance during the summer months - their lush, glossy leaves and pure blooms suit both tropical and formal styles.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Murraya paniculata to extend flowering and fragrance right through summer.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in part shade, protect from hot afternoon sun, and maintain consistent soil moisture.
6. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’
Compact and evergreen, Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ flowers through summer with large, creamy white blooms that stand out against rich, bronze-backed leaves.
Key Features:
Height: 3–4m
Width: 2–3m
Flowers: White, summer
Foliage: Glossy green with copper undersides
Best For: Feature planting, hedging, formal gardens
Why It’s Special:
‘Teddy Bear’ combines year-round greenery with classic Magnolia fragrance and form - a perfect evergreen for warm summer climates.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Crepe Myrtles for a lush yet elegant summer palette.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in full sun to part shade, and water deeply during dry spells. Mulch well to retain soil moisture.
Shop Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ now
7. Michelia alba (White Champaca)
Exquisite and fragrant, Michelia alba produces creamy white, star-shaped flowers with a tropical perfume through late spring and summer.
Key Features:
Height: 4–6m
Width: 3–4m
Flowers: White, highly fragrant, summer
Foliage: Glossy mid-green
Best For: Feature planting, scented gardens, courtyards
Why It’s Special:
Few trees rival Michelia alba for fragrance. Its perfume intensifies in warm weather, making it ideal for summer evenings outdoors.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Murraya paniculata for a tropical-inspired, fragrance-filled planting combination.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in full sun to part shade, protected from harsh winds. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
8. Corymbia ficifolia ‘Wildfire’ (Flowering Gum)
A spectacular Australian native, Corymbia ‘Wildfire’ produces masses of fiery red-orange blossoms from early summer into Christmas. Its compact size and brilliant flower clusters make it perfect for suburban and coastal gardens.
Key Features:
Height: 5–7m
Width: 4–5m
Flowers: Vibrant red to orange, summer
Foliage: Glossy green with dense canopy
Best For: Native gardens, pollinator attraction, feature planting
Why It’s Special:
‘Wildfire’ is one of the brightest and most reliable flowering gums, adding bold colour and attracting native birds throughout summer. Its vibrant display peaks just in time for Christmas, bringing a festive feel to any landscape.
Perfect Pair:
Pairs perfectly with Jacaranda mimosifolia or Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’ for stunning colour contrast in large garden designs.
Tips for Planting:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly through establishment and mulch to retain moisture in summer heat.
Final Thoughts
Planting now ensures your garden is in full bloom by Christmas. From the soft colour of Crepe Myrtles to the intoxicating scent of Magnolias and Michelias, these trees and shrubs will transform your summer garden with beauty and fragrance.
Each of these species is in stock now at Evergreen Trees Direct, ready to establish and flower through the festive season.
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