Plant Care Tips
What Trees to Buy Now if You Want Flowers Between Now and Christmas
Now is an ideal time to plant trees that will flower through summer and into Christmas. Crepe Myrtles, Jacarandas, Corymbia ‘Wildfire’, Magnolias and other warm-season species establish quickly in the heat and produce reliable seasonal colour. This guide explains which trees perform best and how to plan for maximum flowering.
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5 Trees That Will Elevate Your Summer Garden
Transform your summer garden with these top-performing flowering and shade trees for Australian landscapes. Discover expert tips, planting advice, and the unique benefits each species brings—creating a vibrant, resilient, and beautiful outdoor haven.
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Perfect Pairs for a Stunning Coastal Garden
Coastal gardens demand plants that can handle wind, salt, and sandy soils — but that doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. With the right selection, your garden can be both tough and tranquil, reflecting the natural charm of Australia’s coastline. Here are five trees and shrubs that thrive in seaside conditions, offering structure, movement, and effortless coastal style. Eucalyptus cinerea (Argyle Apple) With its silver-blue foliage and elegant branching, Eucalyptus cinerea brings calm sophistication to coastal gardens. Its round juvenile leaves create soft texture and contrast beautifully with native grasses and darker foliage plants. Key Features: Height: 6–10mWidth: 4–6mFoliage: Silvery-blue, rounded juvenile leavesBark: Smooth, pale grey Best For: Feature planting, coastal shelter belts, textural contrast Why It’s Special:The shimmering foliage of Eucalyptus cinerea captures sunlight and adds a cool, coastal tone to garden palettes. It’s hardy, fast-growing, and ideal for open positions exposed to salt and wind. Perfect Pair:Pairs perfectly with Corymbia citriodora ‘Scentuous’ or Westringea to create layered structure and colour variation in a coastal landscape. Tips for Planting:Plant as a feature tree or in pairs to frame driveways or open lawns. Allow generous spacing (5–6m apart) for canopy spread and prune lightly to maintain form. Shop Eucalyptus cinerea now Westringea (Coastal Rosemary) A classic Australian native, Westringea is the backbone of many coastal gardens. Its soft grey-green foliage and dainty white or mauve flowers provide year-round structure and subtle movement in windy environments. Key Features: Height: 1–2mWidth: 1–2mFlowers: White to mauve, throughout most of the yearFoliage: Fine-textured, silvery-green Best For: Coastal hedging, mass planting, native gardens Why It’s Special:Westringea thrives in exposed areas, providing colour and texture where other plants struggle. It’s versatile, waterwise, and ideal for creating natural shapes that soften architectural lines in coastal designs. Perfect Pair:Pairs perfectly with Banksias for contrast between its soft, fine foliage and the bold, sculptural form of the Banksia flower spikes. Tips for Planting:Plant in groups of three or five for an informal, natural look. For hedging, space plants 60–80cm apart and trim lightly twice a year to maintain density. Shop Westringea now Banksia (Coastal Banksia Varieties) Banksias are resilient natives that thrive in sandy soils and coastal conditions. Their dramatic flower spikes and unique forms bring both structure and wildlife appeal to the garden. Key Features: Height: 2–8m (depending on species)Width: 2–4mFlowers: Cylindrical spikes in gold, orange, or redFoliage: Serrated or narrow leaves, silver beneath Best For: Coastal feature planting, wildlife attraction, low-maintenance gardens Why It’s Special:Banksias create year-round interest, with flowers that attract birds and seed cones that add architectural texture. Their resilience makes them ideal for windy, exposed sites where they anchor the landscape visually. Perfect Pair:Pairs perfectly with Westringea for a balanced mix of colour, height, and texture in native or coastal-themed gardens. Tips for Planting:Plant as individual statement trees or in clusters of three for repetition. Choose species suited to your region, and ensure good drainage — they dislike waterlogged soils. Shop Banksia now Elaeocarpus eumundii (Blueberry Ash) Elegant and upright, Elaeocarpus eumundii brings refined structure to coastal landscapes. Its fine foliage, white bell-shaped flowers, and striking blue berries make it a favourite for both formal and native-style gardens. Key Features: Height: 6–8mWidth: 2–3mFoliage: Narrow, deep green leavesFlowers: Small white bells in springFruit: Blue berries attracting birds Best For: Screening, narrow spaces, subtropical coastal gardens Why It’s Special:Elaeocarpus eumundii is perfect for adding height and definition without bulk. It performs reliably in coastal climates and brings visual lightness and movement to dense plantings. Perfect Pair:Pairs perfectly with Waterhousia floribunda, complementing its weeping habit with a slender, upright form for layered evergreen screening. Tips for Planting:Plant in rows or clusters of three for privacy and rhythm. Space approximately 1.5–2m apart for screening, or wider if used as feature specimens. Shop Elaeocarpus eumundii now Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly) Waterhousia floribunda offers a lush, cascading canopy ideal for coastal hedging or large feature planting. Its glossy foliage and softly weeping habit bring elegance and movement to exposed coastal landscapes. Key Features: Height: 6–10mWidth: 4–6mFoliage: Glossy green with bronze new growthGrowth Habit: Dense, weeping Best For: Screening, formal hedges, windbreaks Why It’s Special:Waterhousia floribunda combines coastal tolerance with a refined, ornamental look. Its dense habit provides excellent privacy and wind protection while maintaining a graceful, flowing form. Perfect Pair:Pairs perfectly with Elaeocarpus eumundii for a structured, evergreen screen with layered form and texture. Tips for Planting:Plant in rows for hedging or pairs as boundary markers. Space 1.5–2m apart for a continuous screen. Prune annually to encourage dense growth. Shop Waterhousia floribunda now Final Thoughts A well-designed coastal garden combines strength and softness — resilient structure with effortless movement. By choosing plants like Eucalyptus cinerea, Westringea, Banksia, Elaeocarpus eumundii, and Waterhousia floribunda, you’ll create a garden that not only endures coastal conditions but thrives in them. Each of these species brings its own character — whether it’s the silvery foliage of Eucalyptus cinerea or the graceful form of Waterhousia floribunda — and together they form a stunning, low-maintenance coastal palette.
Learn moreBest Trees for Early Spring
As the coolness of winter lifts and the first buds begin to break, early spring transforms Australian gardens with soft colour, fragrance, and fresh new growth. It’s an ideal time to enjoy trees that bloom early and set the tone for the season ahead.Whether you’re refreshing a courtyard, softening a boundary, or creating a garden focal point, these five trees bring exceptional beauty to the early spring landscape. 1. Malus ioensis – Prairie Crab Apple A charming ornamental tree, Malus ioensis bursts into life with masses of soft pink buds opening to blush-white, fragrant flowers. The display is followed by small, decorative fruit that persist into autumn, attracting birds and pollinators. Key Features: Height: 5–6mWidth: 4–5mFlowers: Soft pink to white, fragrantFoliage: Deep green, turning golden in autumn Best For: Cottage-style gardens, feature planting, wildlife attraction This tree shines as a standalone feature in lawns or larger garden beds, where its rounded canopy and seasonal colour can be appreciated. For a traditional orchard aesthetic, plant in clusters of three or as a small grove. Shop Now 2. Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’ Compact, colourful, and reliable, Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’ delivers brilliant magenta-pink blooms in early spring, followed by small red fruits that persist through winter. Its fine-cut, purple foliage adds texture and contrast year-round. Key Features: Height: 5–6mWidth: 4mFlowers: Magenta-pinkFoliage: Burgundy to bronze through the seasons Best For: Modern landscapes, smaller gardens, wildlife-friendly designs Perfect as a pair flanking a driveway or entrance, this ornamental crab apple also works beautifully planted in groups for a rich spring display. Its tidy growth habit suits both formal and informal gardens. Shop Now 3. Hakea bucculenta – Red Pokers A striking Australian native, Hakea bucculenta adds a bold splash of colour from late winter into early spring. Long red flower spikes stand out dramatically against its silvery-green foliage, attracting nectar-loving birds and pollinators. Key Features: Height: 2–4mWidth: 2–3mFlowers: Fiery red, cylindrical spikesFoliage: Narrow, silvery-green Best For: Native gardens, coastal conditions, low-water landscapes This hardy shrub-like tree thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and looks best planted in clusters or mixed native borders. It’s equally effective as a small screening row or accent feature in a drought-tolerant design. Shop Now 4. Malus ‘Granny Smith’ Apple One of Australia’s most recognisable fruit trees, Malus ‘Granny Smith’ combines ornamental charm with productivity. In early spring, it’s covered in white blossoms before its crisp, green apples begin to form. Key Features: Height: 4–6mWidth: 4–5mFlowers: White, lightly fragrantFruit: Bright green apples, ripening in late summer to autumn Best For: Productive gardens, espaliers, edible landscaping Plant Granny Smith as a single feature in the orchard or in pairs for symmetry along garden paths. It’s also ideal for espalier training along a fence or wall, offering both structure and seasonal interest. Shop Now 5. Magnolia × soulangeana – Saucer Magnolia A timeless favourite, Magnolia soulangeana lights up early spring with its large, goblet-shaped blooms in shades of pink, mauve, and white. Its blossoms appear on bare branches, creating one of the most spectacular seasonal displays. Key Features: Height: 4–6mWidth: 3–5mFlowers: Pink to mauve, appearing before foliageFoliage: Glossy green, emerging after flowering Best For: Feature planting, courtyards, formal gardens Magnolias are most effective as single feature trees in lawns or courtyards, where their shape and flowers can be admired from all sides. In larger gardens, plant in clusters of three to form a sculptural, layered canopy. Shop Now Final Thoughts Early spring is one of the most rewarding times in the garden – when colour, scent, and life return after the cooler months. From the bold native blooms of Hakea bucculenta to the delicate flowers of magnolias and crab apples, these trees capture the spirit of renewal. Planted as features, in pairs, or in small clusters, each of these species offers exceptional form, texture, and seasonal appeal to Australian gardens.
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The Best Australian Native Trees for Modern Native Gardens
A clear, practical guide to five of the best-performing native trees for modern Australian gardens. Compare species by form, size, and suitability for real-world design outcomes. Ideal for medium-skilled gardeners and landscape professionals.
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The Best Trees to Plant in Pots
Planting trees in pots is a smart way to bring shade, greenery, and structure into spaces where in-ground planting isn’t possible. This guide covers the best-performing trees for pots — from Japanese Maples to Kalamata Olives — and gives expert advice on pot selection, maintenance, and styling for lasting impact in courtyards, balconies, rooftops, and terraces.
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Top 5 Frost-Tolerant Hedging Trees
Looking for hedging trees that can handle frost? These top 5 frost-tolerant species — including evergreen and deciduous options — are ideal for cold-climate gardens. From compact formal hedges like Laurus nobilis ‘Miles Choice’ to fast-growing screens like Leighton Green, each variety delivers reliable year-round structure, privacy, and resilience in freezing conditions. Includes planting tips and frost-hardiness ratings for each tree.
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Choosing the Best Feature Tree for Your Garden
Looking to elevate your landscape? Discover 10 stunning feature trees — chosen for their beauty, structure, and adaptability — ideal for colour, canopy, or seasonal flair.
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Top 5 Trees for Canopy & Shade (For Larger Spaces)
Need a fast-growing shade tree for a big backyard or lifestyle block? Compare six top-performing canopy trees side-by-side for structure, softness, and impact.
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