Trees for small gardens
#1 Tree fuchsia
Other common names White olive, notsung Botanical name Halleria lucida A beautiful tree or large shrub, the tree fuchsia is one of the best for attracting birds. It has a spreading crown and glossy green leaves on arching and drooping branches. It’s tough and fast-growing and will flourish in all nine provinces. It performs best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with water provided all year round, although it does tolerate periods of drought. Evergreen Indigenous Grows 2–5m tall as a shrubby tree Flowers are tubular, orange to brick-red or yellow, and very rich in nectar; green berries follow the flowers
Prefers full sun
#2 Japanese maple
Other common names Green leaf Japanese maple, palmate maple Botanical name Acer palmatum The cold-hardy Japanese maple is ideal for a small garden and boasts a charming rounded shape and striking scarlet-orange autumn foliage. More suitable for inland gardens, it requires well-drained soil and moderate watering, especially during dry weather. It is best grown on the south or east side of a house in hot, dry regions such as the Highveld. The tree also makes a wonderful bonsai plant. Deciduous Exotic Grows about 5m tall Spectacular autumn leaves Prefers full sun to semi-shade
#3 Leopard tree
Other common names Brazilian ironwood, morado Botanical name Libidibia ferrea syn. Caesalpinia ferrea Popular in landscaping, the leopard tree must be one of the most attractive trees from Brazil, although it’s often mistaken for an indigenous plant. It’s so named because of its unique marked bark. The tree casts light shade, making it ideal for a mixed flowerbed or grassy area. In smaller gardens, these trees are often planted close together to create a woodland. They require little maintenance, moderate watering and well-drained, sandy soil. Be aware that in warmer areas such as the Lowveld and KZN, the tree can grow quite big and have an aggressive root system. Deciduous Exotic Grows 8m tall; taller in warmer climates Bears yellow flowers in summer Prefers full sun or light shade
#4 Bladdernut
Other common name Blackbark Botanical name Diospyros whyteana The ornate bladdernut forms a lovely round shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green foliage. It grows relatively quickly and will also make an excellent hedge or screen as it responds well to clipping. It can even be planted in a pot, as long as it’s watered regularly. Regular applications of compost, manure or inorganic fertilisers will result in strong, healthy growth. It’s suitable for all parts of South Africa and will attract birds to your garden. Evergreen Indigenous Grows about 5m tall Creamy fragrant flowers followed by balloon-like fruit pods
Prefers full sun to semi-shade