The term ‘Deciduous” means “shedding or losing foliage at the end of the growing season”. This means that in autumn, the leaves of deciduous trees will start falling until the tree is bare, and it will remain so until new leaves start to emerge in the spring. 

There are many reasons for selecting a deciduous specimen as oposed to an evergreen. The primary one is that if the tree is planted in an area where you wish to have summer shade and winter sun, then the habit that a deciduous tree has of shedding its leaves is perfect. So if you want shade over your outdoor entertaining area to protect you from the harsh summer sun, but in that same area you want the warmth of the winter sun to penetrate, then you must choose a deciduous specimen.

Another reason is that deciduous trees bring the ‘wow’ factor in the autumn with their exquisite displays of reds, oranges, yellows, ambers and browns. Every garden is enhanced by a display of this autumnal beauty. There is a constantly changing display as the deciduous tree moves through the seasons; there is definition that cannot be attained with an evergreen tree. From the beauty of the fine tracery of bare branches in the winter to the excitement of the new leaf buds apearing in spring, to the full extent of dense greenery in the summer to the stunning colour in the autumn, the seasons are distinctive. 

It is important to know to what height and width the tree will grow as it is likely to become a permanent structure in the garden and trees do not take kindly to being pruned. They have different natural shapes: spreading, pyramidal, conical, round, flat toped, columnar etc. and they need to be allowed to maintain their natural shapes.

 



 

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aka Evergreen Ash

A special tree from South East Asia that has small narrow green foliage that has a silvery underside. Panicles of small, white, fragrant flowers appear in late spring. Quick growing in a warm, well drained spot. May lose foliage in very cold conditions otherwise evergreen.

 

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aka Jacaranda

This specimen tree from Brazil is a visual delight when in full flower. In late spring-summer masses of mauve-blue tubular flowers smother the tree followed by decorative seed pods. The ferny green foliage is semi-evergreen when temperatures are cool. Protect from frost.

Jacarandas like a warm sheltered position and well drained soil. In their native Brazil they are considered a tropical evergreen and in NZ they grow really well in warmer parts of the country like the Bay of Plenty. They can be grown in cooler areas if protected from frost whilst young.