Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Most loved for its spectacular spring display of double pink, rose-like blossoms and colourful autumn foliage. Available in the natural branching form or as a 1.8m clear-stem standard.
Regular price
$2,410.00
Sale price
$2,410.00
Regular price
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
- Current height guide
- Please enquire
- Pot size
- 400L
Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.
Height guide & disclaimer
Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.
Quantity
Couldn't load pickup availability
About this tree
About this tree
- Mature height
- 4m to 6m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 3m to 5m
Malus ioensis 'Plena', the Double-Flowered Crab Apple, is one of the most spectacular ornamental flowering trees for cool to temperate Australian gardens. Masses of fragrant double pink blossoms cover the branches in late spring, held in dense clusters that resemble small roses and last for weeks longer than single-flowered crab apples.
Malus 'Plena' grows to 5-7 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded spreading canopy. The compact garden-friendly size, fragrant spring display, and golden-orange autumn foliage make it an excellent feature tree for residential gardens, courtyards, and pollinator-friendly planting schemes. Unlike fruiting crab apples, this cultivar produces very sparse fruit, keeping it clean and low maintenance.
Malus 'Plena' performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable spring flowering, performs well in a wide range of soils, and is low maintenance once established.
Also available as a standard. The Standard Form is grafted at 1.8 metres, giving a clear straight trunk with the flowering canopy carried well above head height. It suits a formal avenue, a driveway or a courtyard where you want clear space and planting underneath the tree. Every other size on this page is the natural branching form.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
What is the difference between the standard form and the other sizes?
The Standard Form is grafted at 1.8 metres, so it carries a clear straight trunk with the flowering canopy held above head height. Every other size is the natural branching form, which carries foliage lower down. Choose the standard for avenues, driveways and where you want to plant or walk underneath.
How tall does Malus 'Plena' Crab Apple grow?
Malus 'Plena' grows to 5-7 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded spreading canopy.
How fast does Malus 'Plena' grow?
Malus 'Plena' has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
When does Malus 'Plena' flower?
Malus 'Plena' produces masses of fragrant double pink blossoms in late spring (October to November across Australia), held in clusters along the branches.
Does Malus 'Plena' produce fruit?
Malus 'Plena' produces very small, sparse fruit due to its double flowers, making it an ornamental flowering form rather than a culinary crab apple. This makes it cleaner and lower maintenance than fruiting crab apple cultivars.
Is Malus 'Plena' deciduous?
Yes. Malus 'Plena' is fully deciduous. Foliage turns golden-orange in autumn before dropping in winter, revealing a sculptural branching structure.
Where does Malus 'Plena' grow best in Australia?
Malus 'Plena' performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable spring flowering.
How far apart should I plant Malus 'Plena'?
Plant 4-5 metres apart for a flowering grove or avenue, or 6 metres for individual feature trees with full canopy spread.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- 4m to 6m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 3m to 5m
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
Trade enquiries
Trade enquiries
We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.
Freight estimate
Based on the items currently in your cart.
Final delivery cost is confirmed at checkout using your full address.
Not sure how many trees you need?
Plan your hedge
Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.
Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.
Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.
About Malus ioensis 'Plena'
Malus ioensis 'Plena', the Double-Flowered Crab Apple, is one of the most spectacular ornamental flowering trees for cool to temperate Australian gardens. Masses of fragrant double pink blossoms cover the branches in late spring, held in dense clusters that resemble small roses and last for weeks longer than single-flowered crab apples.
Malus 'Plena' grows to 5-7 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded spreading canopy. The compact garden-friendly size, fragrant spring display, and golden-orange autumn foliage make it an excellent feature tree for residential gardens, courtyards, and pollinator-friendly planting schemes. Unlike fruiting crab apples, this cultivar produces very sparse fruit, keeping it clean and low maintenance.
Malus 'Plena' performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable spring flowering, performs well in a wide range of soils, and is low maintenance once established.
Also available as a standard. The Standard Form is grafted at 1.8 metres, giving a clear straight trunk with the flowering canopy carried well above head height. It suits a formal avenue, a driveway or a courtyard where you want clear space and planting underneath the tree. Every other size on this page is the natural branching form.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
What is the difference between the standard form and the other sizes?
The Standard Form is grafted at 1.8 metres, so it carries a clear straight trunk with the flowering canopy held above head height. Every other size is the natural branching form, which carries foliage lower down. Choose the standard for avenues, driveways and where you want to plant or walk underneath.
How tall does Malus 'Plena' Crab Apple grow?
Malus 'Plena' grows to 5-7 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded spreading canopy.
How fast does Malus 'Plena' grow?
Malus 'Plena' has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
When does Malus 'Plena' flower?
Malus 'Plena' produces masses of fragrant double pink blossoms in late spring (October to November across Australia), held in clusters along the branches.
Does Malus 'Plena' produce fruit?
Malus 'Plena' produces very small, sparse fruit due to its double flowers, making it an ornamental flowering form rather than a culinary crab apple. This makes it cleaner and lower maintenance than fruiting crab apple cultivars.
Is Malus 'Plena' deciduous?
Yes. Malus 'Plena' is fully deciduous. Foliage turns golden-orange in autumn before dropping in winter, revealing a sculptural branching structure.
Where does Malus 'Plena' grow best in Australia?
Malus 'Plena' performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable spring flowering.
How far apart should I plant Malus 'Plena'?
Plant 4-5 metres apart for a flowering grove or avenue, or 6 metres for individual feature trees with full canopy spread.
- Foliage
Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- 4m to 6m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 3m to 5m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).
Long Term Care For Your Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Planting Your Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple works in an:
Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple Evergreen or Deciduous?
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 4m to 6m (approx.)
Mature Width: 3m to 5m
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).
Growth Rate of Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple frost tolerant?
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.
Does Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple Flower?
Malus ioensis ‘Plena’ produces spectacular fully double, rose-pink blossoms in mid- to late spring. The large, peony-like flowers are richly fragrant and form in tight clusters along the branches, creating one of the most dramatic and romantic floral displays of any crabapple.
Does Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Pink
Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple an Australian Native Tree?
No
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple is Native to Originally from North America (Malus ioensis), with ‘Plena’ being a cultivated ornamental variety.
What is the Wildlife Value of Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple ?
Its nectar-rich, fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies and a wide range of beneficial spring pollinators. The small, decorative fruits that follow provide food for birds, while the branching canopy offers shelter and light nesting opportunities, enhancing biodiversity in cottage, ornamental and suburban gardens.
How much Sunlight does Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple need?
Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Its nectar-rich, fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies and a wide range of beneficial spring pollinators. The small, decorative fruits that follow provide food for birds, while the branching canopy offers shelter and light nesting opportunities, enhancing biodiversity in cottage, ornamental and suburban gardens.
Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple Drought Tolerant?
Is Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple Drought tolerant?
As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established ‘Plena’ offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain strong flowering, healthy foliage and reliable seasonal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Malus 'Plena' Crab Apple grow?
Malus 'Plena' grows to 5-7 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded spreading canopy.
How fast does Malus 'Plena' grow?
Malus 'Plena' has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
When does Malus 'Plena' flower?
Malus 'Plena' produces masses of fragrant double pink blossoms in late spring (October to November across Australia), held in clusters along the branches.
Does Malus 'Plena' produce fruit?
Malus 'Plena' produces very small, sparse fruit due to its double flowers, making it an ornamental flowering form rather than a culinary crab apple. This makes it cleaner and lower maintenance than fruiting crab apple cultivars.
Is Malus 'Plena' deciduous?
Yes. Malus 'Plena' is fully deciduous. Foliage turns golden-orange in autumn before dropping in winter, revealing a sculptural branching structure.
Where does Malus 'Plena' grow best in Australia?
Malus 'Plena' performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable spring flowering.
How far apart should I plant Malus 'Plena'?
Plant 4-5 metres apart for a flowering grove or avenue, or 6 metres for individual feature trees with full canopy spread.
Compare sizes side by side
Scroll to compare →400L - Ex Ground (Dig in winter only)
Enquire for current heights
300L
Enquire for current heights
200L
Enquire for current heights
100L
Approx. 1.9m – 2.3m
50cm - Standard Form (1.8m graft)
Enquire for current heights
40cm/45L
Approx. 1.2m – 2.0m
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Malus ioensis 'Plena' is loved for its spectacular spring display of double pink, rose-like blossoms and colourful autumn foliage. Available in the natural branching form or as a 1.8m clear-stem standard.
We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.
Plant Your Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple With:
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.
Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.
Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Enriched Planting Mix
What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?
It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.
What plants is it suitable for?
It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.
Is it safe for natives?
No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.
Is it certified organic?
Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.
How much do I need?
Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.
Can I use it in pots?
It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.
Does it need to be watered in?
Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.
Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.
Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Enriched Planting Mix
What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?
It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.
What plants is it suitable for?
It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.
Is it safe for natives?
No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.
Is it certified organic?
Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.
How much do I need?
Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.
Can I use it in pots?
It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.
Does it need to be watered in?
Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus microphylla var. japonica, sold as Japanese Box, is a dense evergreen shrub clipped here into clean topiary balls. The small, rounded, mid green leaves sit tightly along short stems, so the surface holds a crisp edge after cutting. Growth is naturally compact, which is what allows the ball shape to hold between trims.
It grows in full sun to part shade and accepts most soils that drain, from sandy loam through to improved clay. Cool temperate, temperate and subtropical districts all suit it, and established plants handle light to moderate frost. Growth runs about 15 to 25 centimetres a year, slow enough that the shape stays where you put it.
Balls are used to edge beds and paths, mark an entry, sit either side of a doorway, or repeat down a courtyard to give a planting rhythm. They also underplant feature trees neatly. Because the form arrives already grown, a bed reads finished from the day it goes in rather than years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Japanese Box Topiary Balls
What is a Japanese Box topiary ball?
It is Buxus microphylla var. japonica grown on and clipped into a sphere. The plant does the same job as any box shrub, evergreen, small leaved and tolerant of cutting, but it arrives already shaped. Ball diameters run from around 30 centimetres up to large advanced specimens, and the shape is then held with two trims a year.
How big do Japanese Box topiary balls get?
The ball is held at whatever diameter it is clipped to, commonly 30 to 70 centimetres, with larger specimens available in bigger containers. In the ground, overall height sits close to the ball diameter. Left entirely unclipped the species would slowly reach roughly 1.5 to 2 metres tall and wide over many years.
How fast does Japanese Box grow?
About 15 to 25 centimetres a year, which is slow to moderate. That pace is an advantage in topiary because the outline drifts gradually rather than running away between cuts. Two trims a year, one in early spring and one in late summer, are usually enough to keep the surface tight and the profile even.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest, tightest surface, which matters when the appeal of the plant is a clean clipped edge. In hot inland gardens some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and bronzing. Deep shade thins the growth out and the ball loses its crisp outline.
Is Japanese Box frost tolerant?
Yes. Established plants handle light to moderate frost without damage, which covers most temperate and cool temperate gardens including Canberra, Melbourne and the southern tablelands. Newly planted stock is more exposed, so water it well going into winter and mulch the root zone. Any frost burnt tips can simply be trimmed off in spring.
Can Japanese Box topiary balls grow in pots?
Yes, they are one of the better plants for a container. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single ball for a courtyard, entry or balcony. Use a quality potting mix, water once the top few centimetres dry out, and feed in spring and again in summer. Repot or refresh the mix every few years.
How do I care for Japanese Box topiary balls?
Trim twice a year with sharp shears, cutting lightly and often rather than hard. Feed in early spring with a slow release fertiliser and keep water up through summer. Mulch to about 50 millimetres, keeping it clear of the stem. Watch for box psyllid on soft new growth and treat early if the tips start to cup.
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls are pre-clipped formal evergreen specimens, available in three mature sizes and ready to place. The tight, fine, dark green foliage holds a precise rounded form year-round and gives the classic formal topiary look that no other Buxus replicates. As one of our most consistently strong-selling products, our English Box topiary balls are well-shaped, well-rooted, and arrive in proportion to the pot size.
English Box performs best in cool to temperate climates and is slow growing at around 15 to 25 cm per year in good conditions, which is exactly why it holds sharp formal shapes so well. It thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil, and is frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and excellent in containers. Two light clips per year, in spring and again in late summer, keep the ball form crisp.
Use them flanking entrances, lining formal pathways, anchoring symmetrical garden beds, defining parterre and knot gardens, and in pairs in classic urns and decorative pots at front doors. Buxus sempervirens is the original topiary plant and remains the benchmark for traditional and contemporary formal design, with a level of finesse and density that fast-growing alternatives cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
What size are the English Box topiary balls when they arrive?
Our English Box topiary balls arrive pre-clipped and ready to place at the size you order. The 30cm/33cm pots have ball diameters of approximately 30 to 45 cm, the 40cm/45L pots have ball diameters of 40 to 55 cm, and the 50cm/75L pots have ball diameters of 50 to 70 cm. They are well-rooted and in proportion to the pot.
How fast does Buxus sempervirens grow?
English Box is slow-growing, adding approximately 15 to 25 cm per year once established in good conditions. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons it holds sharp formal shapes so well, and why mature pre-clipped specimens command a premium over seedling-grown stock.
What is the difference between English Box, Japanese Box, and Shaggy Box?
English Box (Buxus sempervirens) has the smallest, finest leaves and the tightest formal texture, ideal for traditional parterres and clipped balls. Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla japonica) has slightly larger leaves, grows faster, and handles heat better. Shaggy Box (Buxus bodinieri) has soft, rounded leaves, much better blight resistance, and is the best choice for humid subtropical climates where English Box can struggle.
Where does English Box grow best in Australia?
English Box performs best in cool to temperate regions including Victoria, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands, Tasmania, and the elevated parts of South Australia and Western Australia. In humid coastal or hot subtropical regions, consider Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box or Japanese Box instead for better long-term performance.
How do I prune English Box topiary balls?
Lightly clip in spring and again in late summer or early autumn to maintain the ball shape. Avoid pruning in the heat of summer or during frost periods. Use sharp shears for the cleanest formal finish, and step back regularly to check the symmetry of the form.
Can English Box grow in pots?
Yes. English Box is the classic potted topiary plant and pre-clipped balls look particularly striking in pairs at entrances and on terraces. Use a minimum 30L pot for the 30cm/33cm size and scale up from there, with a quality potting mix and a slow-release fertiliser applied twice yearly.
Is English Box susceptible to disease?
English Box can be affected by box blight, particularly in humid conditions where foliage stays wet. To reduce risk, ensure good air circulation around each plant, avoid overhead watering, and prune to maintain airflow through the canopy. In high-humidity regions, Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box is a more disease-resistant alternative.
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden' is a compact evergreen shrub that delivers a fresh burst of fragrant pure white flowers from late winter into spring. The dense mounding habit and glossy dark green foliage give it a lush, polished year-round appearance.
Snow Maiden grows to just 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, holding a naturally tidy rounded form with minimal pruning. The compact size makes it an excellent choice for low clipped hedges, borders, mass plantings, and containers, and it works well as a standout specimen in mixed plantings. Small dark berries follow the flowers.
Snow Maiden performs well in full sun to part shade and is drought hardy once established, thriving in coastal gardens and a wide range of well-drained soils. It is salt tolerant, low maintenance, and needs only moderate water while establishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
How tall does Snow Maiden Rhaphiolepis grow?
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden' grows to 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a naturally compact dense mound.
How fast does Snow Maiden grow?
Snow Maiden has a moderate growth rate of 20-40cm per year once established.
When does Snow Maiden flower?
Snow Maiden produces masses of pure white flowers from late winter into spring, followed by small dark berries.
Is Snow Maiden good for low hedges?
Yes. Snow Maiden is one of the best compact evergreen shrubs for low hedges, borders, and mass plantings, holding a tidy rounded form with minimal pruning.
Is Snow Maiden drought and salt tolerant?
Yes. Snow Maiden is both drought tolerant and salt tolerant once established, making it well suited to coastal gardens and low-water landscapes.
How far apart should I plant Snow Maiden for a low hedge?
Plant 50-70cm apart for a continuous low hedge, or 80cm-1 metre for a softer informal border.
Where does Snow Maiden grow best in Australia?
Snow Maiden thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, coastal exposure, and a wide range of well-drained soils.
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Ligularia reniformis
Ligularia reniformis
Ligularia reniformis carries enormous glossy kidney-shaped leaves that give a shaded garden the bold tropical texture usually only available in full sun. The Tractor Seat Plant is grown for foliage first, with tall stems of bright yellow daisy flowers through summer as a bonus.
Ligularia reniformis forms a clump 0.6 to 1 metre tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide, spreading slowly at 10 to 20 centimetres per year. That steady habit makes it reliable as a mass underplanting beneath established trees, an edging along a shaded path, or a single specimen in a large pot.
This is a full shade plant. It wants consistent moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves, and it is frost sensitive, so in cold districts it needs a protected position. Given shade and water it is close to maintenance free.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ligularia reniformis
How big does Ligularia reniformis grow?
It forms a clump 0.6 to 1 metre tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. The individual leaves can reach 40 centimetres across, which is where the bold texture comes from.
Why is it called the Tractor Seat Plant?
The common name comes from the large round kidney-shaped leaves, which resemble the seat of an old tractor. The botanical name reniformis means kidney-shaped.
Does Ligularia reniformis need shade?
Yes. It performs best in full shade and will scorch in hot afternoon sun. It is one of the most useful foliage plants available for genuinely dark positions.
When does it flower?
Tall stems of bright yellow daisy-like flowers rise well above the foliage through summer. The foliage remains the main feature for the rest of the year.
Is Ligularia reniformis frost tolerant?
No. It is frost sensitive and may be damaged by frost. In cold districts plant it in a protected position, or grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover.
How much water does it need?
It wants consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drying out. Mulch well and water regularly through summer, particularly in pots and under established trees where roots compete.
How far apart should I plant it for a mass planting?
Plant 0.8 to 1 metre apart for a continuous shaded groundcover mass. Closer spacing fills in faster but the clumps will crowd within a few seasons.
Ligularia reniformis
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' carries small shimmering silver-green leaves on near-black stems, giving a light airy screen that moves in the wind rather than reading as a solid green wall. It is one of the most widely specified screening plants in Australian landscape design for exactly that reason.
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall but only 1.5 to 2 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, which makes it a genuine solution for narrow beds along fence lines and between buildings where height is needed but width is not available. Small cream flowers appear in spring and are lightly fragrant.
'Silver Sheen' grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established, performing from subtropical Queensland through Sydney, Melbourne, Gippsland and Adelaide. It clips well, holds density under regular trimming, and is equally effective as a formal hedge or a loose screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
How tall does Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' grow?
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and only 1.5 to 2 metres wide, which makes it one of the best options for narrow screening where a tall hedge is needed in a shallow bed.
How fast does 'Silver Sheen' grow?
It grows at 30 to 60 centimetres per year once established, reaching a usable screening height within three to four years with regular water and feeding.
How narrow can I keep 'Silver Sheen'?
It naturally holds to 1.5 to 2 metres wide and can be trimmed to under a metre with regular clipping, which is why it is so often used in tight side-boundary positions.
How far apart should I plant 'Silver Sheen' for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more trimming.
Is 'Silver Sheen' frost tolerant?
'Silver Sheen' handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
Does 'Silver Sheen' grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade. In shadier positions growth is slightly more open, which suits a softer informal screen.
Where does 'Silver Sheen' grow best in Australia?
It performs from subtropical Queensland through Northern NSW, Sydney, the South Coast and tablelands, Melbourne and surrounds, the Western District, Gippsland and Adelaide.
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree
Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree
Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' is considered an improved form of the traditional bay tree, selected for its more compact, upright growth. This variety is known for producing denser, tidier hedging with less effort, which is why it has become one of our best-selling choices for structured residential and commercial landscapes.
Its dark green, glossy, aromatic foliage creates a strong, uniform backdrop that instantly elevates surrounding plantings and holds its shape beautifully year-round. It is ideal for clipped formal hedges, privacy screening, and pleached rows, responding exceptionally well to pruning and maintaining a clean, polished finish with regular trimming.
'Miles Choice' performs reliably in full sun to part shade and tolerates a wide range of conditions, including coastal and windy sites once established. The foliage is also edible, making it both a practical and ornamental option.
Low-maintenance, resilient, and highly refined, it is a go-to hedging tree for projects where structure, longevity, and a premium finish matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree
How tall does Miles Choice Bay Tree grow?
Miles Choice grows to 4-6 metres tall and is most commonly maintained as a 2-4 metre clipped hedge. Its compact upright form holds a tighter shape than standard Laurus nobilis.
How fast does Miles Choice grow?
Miles Choice has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
Is Miles Choice the same as standard bay tree?
Miles Choice is an improved cultivar of Laurus nobilis with a tighter, more compact habit. The foliage is still fully edible and aromatic, but the plant produces denser, tidier hedges with less pruning than the standard form.
Are Miles Choice leaves edible?
Yes. Like the standard bay tree, Miles Choice leaves are fully edible and can be used in cooking. Pick fresh leaves as needed for stocks, soups, slow-cooked dishes, and marinades.
How far apart should I plant Miles Choice for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre apart for a more relaxed screen.
Can Miles Choice grow in pots?
Yes. Miles Choice performs well in large pots (60L+) and is a popular choice for formal entrances, courtyards, and balcony screening.
How do I prune Miles Choice Bay Tree?
Trim two to three times through the warmer months, taking a little each time rather than one hard cut. Use sharp secateurs on individual stems so the large leaves are not sliced in half and left browning on the face of the hedge. Miles Choice reshoots readily from older wood, so an overgrown plant can be brought back into shape over a season or two.
Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:
Perfect Substitutes for Malus ioensis 'Plena' Double-Flowered Crab Apple
Malus 'Royal Raindrops'
Malus 'Royal Raindrops'
Malus 'Royal Raindrops' is a deciduous ornamental crabapple with deeply cut, purple-red foliage that holds its colour through summer better than older purple leaved forms. Magenta-pink blossom covers the bare branches in spring, followed by small dark red fruit. Autumn brings orange to bronze tones, and the fruit hangs on after the leaves drop.
It grows 3 to 4 metres tall and wide with a compact, rounded crown, adding 20 to 40 centimetres a year. Full sun gives the best leaf colour and the heaviest flowering. It is frost hardy, takes a wide range of soils including compacted urban ground, and is moderately drought tolerant once established.
Street plantings, park beds, nature strips and residential front gardens all suit it. Space feature trees 3 to 4 metres apart, or 3 metres apart for an even avenue. The fruit is small and mostly taken by birds, so it gives winter interest without becoming a clean up problem over paving.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Royal Raindrops Crabapple
What is Malus 'Royal Raindrops'?
It is an ornamental crabapple grown for its foliage as much as its flowers. The leaves are deeply cut and purple-red, holding colour through summer better than older purple crabapples, and turning orange to bronze in autumn. Magenta-pink blossom covers the bare branches in spring, followed by small persistent dark red fruit.
How big does 'Royal Raindrops' grow?
It reaches 3 to 4 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide, forming a compact, rounded crown. That size works on a nature strip or in a front garden without outgrowing the position. Growth of 20 to 40 centimetres a year means it takes a number of seasons to reach full size.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun. It will grow in partial shade, but the purple leaf colour fades back toward green and the flowering thins noticeably. Six hours or more of direct sun gives the strongest foliage colour, the heaviest blossom and the best fruit set. An open position also holds a tighter, denser crown.
Is it frost tolerant?
Yes, it is frost hardy and handles regular winter frost without damage, which suits cool and temperate districts including inland and tablelands gardens. Crabapples need winter chill to flower well, so cold winters are an advantage rather than a problem. It also tolerates summer heat and is moderately drought tolerant once established.
Does it produce fruit, and is the fruit edible?
Yes. Small dark red crabapples follow the blossom and hang on well after the leaves drop, giving winter interest. They are edible but sharp, better suited to jelly than to eating fresh. Most of the crop gets taken by birds, and the fruit is small enough that windfall is not a nuisance.
Does it have invasive roots?
No. Crabapple roots are fibrous and relatively shallow rather than aggressive, and they are not associated with lifting paving or damaging pipes. That is part of why it is used so widely in streetscapes and near driveways. Standard practice is still to keep it a few metres from footings and service lines.
How do I prune and care for it?
Prune in winter while dormant, taking out dead, crossing or inward growing branches to keep the crown open. Avoid heavy cutting, which triggers watershoots. Mulch the root zone, water through dry spells for the first few summers, and feed in early spring. Watch for aphids in spring and treat only if numbers build.
Malus 'Royal Raindrops'
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' is the most spectacular of the flowering cherries, producing masses of large double pink blossoms in mid spring. The dense clusters of ruffled petals smother the branches as bronze-tinted new foliage emerges, creating one of the most striking spring displays of any deciduous tree.
Kanzan grows to 8-10 metres tall and 5-7 metres wide with a distinctive upright vase-shaped form that broadens gracefully with age. The narrow base and spreading crown make it ideal for flowering avenues, driveways, street planting, and feature lawn positions where the spring show can be admired from a distance.
Kanzan performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable flowering, well-drained soil, and full sun. Bronze new foliage matures to green, then turns orange-bronze in autumn before dropping in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'
How tall does Kanzan Cherry grow?
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' grows to 8-10 metres tall and 5-7 metres wide, with a distinctive upright vase-shaped form that broadens with age.
How fast does Kanzan Cherry grow?
Kanzan is moderately fast-growing, adding 40-60cm per year once established.
When does Kanzan Cherry flower?
Kanzan produces masses of large double pink blossoms in mid spring, typically September to October across Australia. The flowers appear in dense clusters before and as the bronze-tinted new foliage emerges.
Is Kanzan Cherry deciduous?
Yes. Kanzan is fully deciduous. The foliage emerges bronze, matures to green, then turns orange-bronze in autumn before dropping in winter.
Where does Kanzan Cherry grow best in Australia?
Kanzan performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It needs cool winters for reliable spring flowering.
Is Kanzan Cherry suitable for street planting?
Yes. The upright vase shape makes Kanzan a popular choice for avenues, driveways, and street planting where a narrow base and spreading crown suit the space.
How far apart should I plant Kanzan Cherry?
Plant 4-5 metres apart for a flowering avenue, or 6 metres for individual feature trees with full canopy spread.
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'
Lagerstroemia indica 'Biloxi' - Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Biloxi' - Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Biloxi' is a deciduous flowering tree with an upright vase-shaped frame and smooth cinnamon bark that peels to show paler wood beneath. Crinkled pale pink flowers cover the canopy through summer, and the dark green leaves finish the year in orange and red before dropping.
It flowers best in full sun and grows in most soils that drain, including improved clay. Height gain is 20 to 40 centimetres a year to a mature 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide. It is frost hardy when dormant, heat tolerant, and drought tolerant once established. Maintenance is low.
It is used as a feature tree in courtyards, as a flowering avenue along a drive, in mixed shrub borders, and in narrow beds beside a building. Spacing is 3 to 4 metres as a feature or 3 metres for an avenue. It gives summer flower, autumn colour and winter bark from a tree that fits a small garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Biloxi Crepe Myrtle
What is Lagerstroemia indica 'Biloxi'?
Biloxi is a named crepe myrtle, a deciduous flowering tree in the Lythraceae family. It carries pale pink crinkled flowers through summer on an upright vase-shaped frame, with smooth mottled bark and strong autumn leaf colour. It is one of the cultivars selected for good mildew resistance and a clean trunk.
How big does Biloxi Crepe Myrtle grow?
It reaches 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide at maturity, which keeps it within the scale of an average suburban garden. The habit is upright, so it takes up less width than height. The larger container sizes are supplied well advanced, giving immediate height at planting.
When does it flower?
Flowering is through summer, broadly December to February, with the peak in the hottest weeks. The flowers are held in dense terminal panicles and hold on the tree for weeks at a time. Cutting off spent flower heads soon after they fade often brings a lighter second flush before the season ends.
Is it evergreen or deciduous?
Deciduous. The leaves colour orange and red in autumn, then the tree stands bare through winter, which is when the smooth cinnamon-toned trunk is at its best. New leaves come away in spring. That winter bareness is useful where you want sun reaching a window or courtyard in the cold months.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun, and it matters more here than with most trees. Flowering falls away sharply in shade and the canopy becomes open and leggy. Six or more hours of direct sun gives dense flowering, better autumn colour and less risk of powdery mildew, which is worse in shaded, still positions.
Is it drought tolerant?
Yes, once established after the first two summers. It handles hot dry summers and reflected heat well, which is why it is common in inland and western suburban streets. Watering through the flowering period will improve the display, but the tree will not fail without it in an average dry spell.
How do I prune and care for a crepe myrtle?
Prune in late winter while it is bare. Remove spent seed heads, thin crossing branches and take out basal suckers to keep a clear trunk. Avoid cutting all the main limbs back to stubs, which ruins the shape and gives weak growth. Mulch, water through establishment, and feed in early spring.
Lagerstroemia indica 'Biloxi' - Crepe Myrtle
Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame' - Canadian Maple
Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame' - Canadian Maple
Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame' combines brilliant scarlet autumn foliage with the fastest growth of the commonly grown red maples, which removes the usual wait before an avenue starts to read. The symmetrical upright habit needs no formative pruning to hold its shape.
'Fairview Flame' grows to 12 to 15 metres tall and 8 to 10 metres wide at 45 to 75 centimetres per year, developing a strong central leader and evenly spaced branching. That structural consistency is why it is a standard specification for streetscapes and civic avenue planting.
'Fairview Flame' is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and colours most intensely where autumn nights are cold. It grows in full sun and prefers deep moist soil, tolerating wetter ground better than most maples.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame'
How big does 'Fairview Flame' grow?
'Fairview Flame' reaches 12 to 15 metres tall and 8 to 10 metres wide with an upright symmetrical canopy. It is slightly larger and more upright than 'Autumn Red'.
How is 'Fairview Flame' different from 'Autumn Red'?
'Fairview Flame' grows faster and taller with a more upright symmetrical habit, while 'Autumn Red' is slightly smaller and more rounded. Both colour brilliant scarlet in autumn.
How fast does 'Fairview Flame' grow?
It grows at 45 to 75 centimetres per year, making it one of the faster red maple selections and a practical choice where an avenue is needed within a reasonable timeframe.
When does it colour?
Foliage turns brilliant scarlet through autumn and holds well before dropping. Colour is most intense in cool districts with cold autumn nights.
Is 'Fairview Flame' frost hardy?
Yes. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage and performs reliably in cold tablelands and inland districts.
Does it need pruning?
Very little. The symmetrical upright form develops naturally. Remove crossing or damaged wood in winter, but formative pruning is not required.
How far apart should I plant it for an avenue?
Plant 8 to 10 metres apart for a continuous avenue, and keep trees at least 10 metres from buildings, paving and underground services.
Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame' - Canadian Maple
Follow Us On Instagram
@evergreentreesdirect ↗
Tips & Tricks
Best Trees for Creating a Privacy Screen: 10 Picks Across Fast Formal, Native and Narrow Column Options
Read the story
How to Incorporate Trees into Your Modern Landscape Design
Read the story
The Importance of Root Health: How to Choose Quality Trees
Read the story
