Small trees with big impact

Story by Steve Falcioni

Never underestimate the value of small trees – they can bring height, habitat and shade to your small garden. Here are a few spring-flowering varieties that also bring welcome splashes of colour.

Small trees for your garden

With the current pressures on urban housing, many gardens are shrinking, and there can be a temptation to leave trees out of the planting scheme. But the good news is that smaller-scale gardens and courtyards don’t need to miss out! There are many small trees that are perfectly suited to these spaces, and they provide all the benefits of larger trees. Here are a few favourites, which have the added bonus of knock-out spring flowers.

Magnolia
If you’re chasing perfume, consider Magnolia stellata and M. x soulangeana, with their magnificent scented displays in spring. M. stellata flowers are open with narrow white petals, while M. x soulangeana flowers have wide pink-and-white petals. Flowers can be open or shaped like a goblet. Breeders have also developed pink forms of M. stellata, as well as new forms of M. x soulangeana that range from pure white through to cream, pink and burgundy. Give these small magnolia trees rich soils with protection from hot, dry winds.

Grows 3–5m high, 3–6m wide
Subtropical, warm temperate and cold temperate climates
Full sun or semi-shade position
Frost-hardy

Magnolia September ABC Gardening Australia magazine — Photo credit: iStock

Tree hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata is a deciduous shrub that can be grown as a small tree by removing multiple stems until you have just one left. This will then develop into a tree shape. In late spring, large clusters of creamy white flowers will appear and last for weeks. Prune the top growth every year in late winter to encourage dense new growth and more flowers. Tree hydrangeas will benefit from rich, free-draining soils and moisture in summer. Check out this article for more hydrangea varieties.

Grows 3–4m high, 3m wide
Subtropical, arid/semi-arid, warm temperate and cold temperate climates
Full sun or semi-shade position
Frost-hardy

Tree hydrangea September ABC Gardening Australia magazine — Photo credit: iStock

Blueberry ash
Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) is a small evergreen tree that’s native to Australia’s east coast. In spring, the tree is smothered in white or pink frilly flowers that look like ballerina skirts. These develop into small blue berries, hence its common name. Both the flowers and the berries attract birds. It’s a reliable small tree that’s adaptable to most soil types, provided drainage is good.