Tree shape sets the design. A columnar tree gives a clean vertical accent. A spreading tree gives soft horizontal weight. A bottle trunk gives a sculptural feature with no equivalent. The right mix of forms gives a garden its structure even when nothing is in flower. Here are five trees we use to show the five main forms.
1. Brachychiton rupestris — sculptural bottle form
Bottle Tree is the most sculptural tree in cultivation. A dramatically swollen trunk and an open crown of glossy foliage give a feature with no equivalent. The form is the whole design.
Allow space for the trunk to develop. Light feeding only. Tolerates extreme dry once established.
2. Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' — pyramidal form
Bradford Pear holds a clean pyramidal form when young, broadening with age. White spring blossom and strong autumn colour. The reliable pyramidal deciduous form for avenues and feature planting.
Plant 4 to 5m apart for an avenue. Stake at planting.
3. Acer palmatum — spreading form
Japanese Maple gives the soft spreading form. Layered branching, palmate foliage and a habit that drapes outward rather than climbing upward. The cleanest contrast to upright planting.
Plant in a sheltered spot. Water deeply through the first two summers.
4. Ficus Hillii — columnar form
Ficus Hillii is the cleanest columnar form for hedging. Glossy dense foliage, a tight upright habit, and a shape that holds with light shaping. The classic vertical structure in a planting.
Plant at 1 to 1.5m centres. Vigorous roots are a feature - regular pruning keeps the form crisp.
5. Olea europaea 'Manzanillo' — rounded form
Manzanillo Olive gives the rounded open form. Silver-grey foliage on a wide spreading frame that develops a sculptural trunk over time. The classic rounded Mediterranean silhouette.
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Once established it asks very little.
Choosing the right form
Match the form to the job. A columnar tree along a narrow boundary. A spreading tree where the canopy is the point. A pyramidal tree in an avenue. A bottle trunk where you want a single sculptural moment. A rounded form to anchor the planting.
The strongest gardens stack two or three forms rather than relying on one.
FAQs
How do I choose the right tree for a small garden?
Columnar forms like Ficus Hillii give vertical height without spreading. Bradford Pear works as a single specimen.
Can I shape my trees to fit my garden design?
Ficus Hillii takes shaping easily. Bradford Pear, Acer palmatum and Olea can be lightly shaped while young.
Do all of these trees need a lot of maintenance?
Brachychiton, Olea and Ficus Hillii are low maintenance once established. Bradford Pear and Acer palmatum need water through the first two summers.
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