Trees in pots australia
The 18 Best Trees For Pots In Australia [+Images]
There’s no doubt about it—plants are good for you. They reduce your stress levels, your chances of depression, and can even improve your memory! Their mental and emotional health benefits have been well documented, so we’ve created this comprehensive list of the best trees for pots in Australia.
Citrus (Rutaceae)
Image from Better Homes and Gardens
These lush Australian evergreens have sweetly scented flowers, offer year-round colour, and best of all, delicious fruit! Plants in the genus Rutaceae produce fruits including limes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, and kumquats. Depending on the type of citrus their height can vary, but they can grow to eight metres. They prefer free-draining soils, regular watering and lots of fertilizer. These are one of the best trees for pots in full sun in Australia, and doing so will ensure lush foliage and bumper fruit production.
Japanese maples (Acer palmatum)
Image from Hortmag
The slower growth rate and smaller size of Japanese Maples make them one of the most popular trees for pots. Their compact root system also means the roots won’t interfere with your home’s foundations — so they are ideal for a courtyard location. Upright forms suit almost any pot shape or finish, so they are easy to style. However, a wider pot will balance out the spreading form of weeping maples. For best results, protect them from drying winds and harsh sunlight.
Camellias (Theaceae)
Image from Genes Nursery
Known as the Queens of the winter flowers, these beautiful small trees will certainly pack a colourful punch in your garden. They are highly prized for their evergreen foliage, shapely habit and exquisite blooms that appear from autumn through to spring. They grow best with protection from harsh sun and regular watering. But regardless of whether you’re growing them in shade or part-sun, make sure their root system is covered with a generous layer of organic matter, and that they are fertilised regularly.
Baby Orange (Corymbia ficifoliad)
Image from Garden Express
This dwarf-growing version of the iconic Australian Gum makes a beautiful specimen in a large pot. A hardy plant, it produces numerous branches that form a dense canopy and bronze-red new growth that eventually turns mid-green. In summer, striking orange flowers appear that provide a feast for nectar-loving birds. It prefers a sunny, well-drained position and is ideal for a range of locations from coastal gardens to streetscapes.
White Caviar (Michelia)
Image from The Tree Shop
White Caviar is a cross between two of the most attractive, popular and hardy Michelia varieties — yunnansensis and figo. It is a medium-sized, highly ornamental evergreen with a dense habit and a unique upright habit, which makes it ideal for narrow spaces. In late spring/early summer, it produces fragrant, cream, and pink flowers. It prefers well-drained, moist and humus-rich soil in a sunny garden position.
Nepalese Blue Bamboo (Himalayacalamus porcatus)
Image from Bamboo South Coast
Nepalese Blue is a weeping, ornamental bamboo that features white/soft blue, grey coloured culms and delicate green foliage. It will naturally grow up to three metres in height but can easily be trimmed down if need be. Although low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, Nepalese Blues need filtered light or a shady area to thrive. Regular watering will also help maintain its lush appearance.
Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica)
Image from Blerick Tree Farm
This is a deciduous, vase-shaped tree with pink, white, purple or mauve crepe-like flowers that bloom in late summer.
In autumn, the leaves turn orange, yellow or red depending on the variety before falling. Smaller varieties like “Tonto” (which has rich pink flowers) and “Zuni” (which has mauve flowers) are ideal for growing in pots. Keep well-watered throughout summer, and to reduce the risk of mildew, keep the pot in an open, sunny garden spot with good air circulation.
Olives (Olea europaea)
Image from Green Prophet
These elegant trees thrive with the added drainage of a pot, respond well to pruning, and are suited to virtually any sized space. They also look just as beautiful in a sleek modern pot as in a traditional terracotta pot. Popular varieties include “Mazanillo”, “Kalamata”, “Arbequina” and “Picual”. In terms of care, cool winters are needed for the buds to flower. “Perfect” flowers need to form with both male and female parts to produce fruit, but you can improve pollination by planting other olive trees nearby.
Forest Pansy (Cercis canadensis)
Image from Hello Hello Plants
Forest Pansy is an Eastern Redbud cultivar and a small, stunning ornamental tree that grows to a height of five metres. It is a deciduous, slow-growing tree with pink pea-like flowers and heart-shaped, purple-red leaves that mature to orange and red in autumn. Set off its bold foliage and flowers against a monochrome pot for a contemporary look. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil and full sun or part shade, and should be watered well and mulched over summer to avoid scorch.
Wollemi Pine (Araucariaceae)
Image from Imgur
This prehistoric giant might seem like an odd choice for a pot, but its slow growth rate will allow you to appreciate its beauty for years. Appropriate watering is essential for survival, although it shouldn’t be watered daily, even in hot, dry conditions. Check the moisture content of the potting mix regularly, and when dry, thoroughly saturate the plant. Wollemi Pines prefer a sheltered location out of full sun otherwise their foliage may start to yellow. Native tree fertilizer will slow its growth rate, and it can be pruned on its upright branches and stems to maintain its compact form.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Image from HGTV
A popular plant for a pot, the evergreen Peace Lily has glossy, deep-green leaves and produces long-lasting white flowers on long stems, mainly in the warmer seasons. It will thrive in bright, filtered light to full-shade conditions but keep out of direct sunlight, as this will scorch the leaves. The plant prefers rich, moist (but not wet), free-draining soil and annual fertilising with a controlled-release product.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia)
Image from The Spruce
A much loved perennial garden favourite, there are more than 100 species of fuchsias in nature, and many are bred for their showy flowers. Flowers are large and pendulous but prone to damage, so the plant should be kept in a sheltered position so it’s not exposed to strong winds. Fuchsias burst into flower from late spring to early winter and prefer protection from the sun, regular watering, and well-drained soil.
Port Wine Magnolia (Michelia figo)
This evergreen, slow-growing shrub has compact foliage, small, dense leaves and grows to around three metres tall. Small, purple-brown flowers appear from early September to late November. The flowers are somewhat insignificant to look at but they have a beautifully sweet, heavy scent that smells a bit like chewing gum! These plants prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost and a full sun or part shade position. Prune after they flower to encourage new growth.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andreanum)
The Flamingo Flower plant grows to a height of around a metre and has large, glossy, deep-green leaves that are often heart-shaped. Flowers are striking, last for months, and range in colour from scarlet, pink and orange to creamy white and deep purple, almost black. It prefers well-drained soil and the addition of some controlled-release fertiliser every six months. It is also frost-intolerant and prefers bright light without direct sun in a warmer climate.
Golden Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
If you’re after a taller pot plant, the Golden Cane Palm is your go-to as it grows to a height of up to eight metres. It is a dense, lush, clumping palm that’s ideal pool-side or in a tropical garden setting as a screening or feature plant. It has golden stems and light green fronds that take on shades of gold. Plant in well-drained soil in a shaded or full sun position and water and mulch regularly until it’s established. Although relatively undemanding, it should be kept moist during dry periods as hot sun can burn its leaf tips.
Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla iaxa)
Image from Dave’s Garden
This is a vigorous climbing plant with broad, dark green leaves and it is evergreen to deciduous, depending on the climate in which it’s grown. Large, fragrant flowers bloom throughout summer and autumn that are large, strongly scented and white, pink or crimson. Ideal as a climber, you can also prune its tendrils for a soft, bushy effect. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, and tolerates a wide range of conditions, however it grows best in a sunny spot.
Geranium Big Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
This is a star performer among geraniums, with its large, round abundant clusters of fragrant, bright red flowers that appear in spring and last until autumn. It is a compact, evergreen, perennial shrub that has round, crinkled-edged green leaves. It’s also extremely hardy, including being drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. Geranium Big Red prefers full sun or part-shade and well-drained soil.
Imperial Bromeliad (Alcantarea imperialis)
Image from Pinterest
For a potted plant with wow factor the Bromeliad is unequalled, with its green, architectural foliage that has beautiful bright red undersides. Hardy and evergreen, it is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained soil and sunny to partly shaded garden positions. Water this plant in its centre when the water is low. It’s worth noting that the flowering process of the Imperial Bromeliad can take up to a year. Once this has occurred, the plant will die but be replaced by offshoots (known as “pups”) that shoot up from the original base. These can be easily removed and re-potted.
References
- Kaja Perina, 2019, 11 Ways Plants Enhance Your Mental and Emotional Health, Psychology Today
- 2019, Trees for Pots, The Tree Shop
- 2021, The Top 15 potted plants for your garden, Homes to Love
- 2019, How to grow and care for camellias, Homes to Love
- 2021, Nepalese Blue, Bamboo Down Under
- 2021, Olives, Yates
- 2013, Gardens: five ways with trees for small spaces, The Guardian
- 2021, The Wollemi Pine, The Wollemi Pine
- 2021, How to grow and care for a peace lily, Bunnings
- 2021, Fuscia, Yates
- 2021, Port Wine Magnolia Hedge, Burke’s Backyard
- 2021, How to grow and care for Anthurium, Bunnings
- 2021, Golden cane palm – Dypsis, Australian Plants Online
- 2017, Plant profile – Chilean Jasmine, Gardening Australia
- 2021, Geranium Big Red, Flower Power
- 2021, Imperial Bromeliad, Flower Power
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Trees for Pots | Do you know this one is for you?
Whether you’ve got a courtyard, balcony, veranda or want a creative garden feature, sometimes what we really need is a stunning tree in an equally beautiful pot.
In this blog post we will show you our favourite trees to grow in pots with some inspiring photos to match.
Japanese maples
One of the most widely planted trees for pots, the compact size and slower growth rate of Japanese maples make them a great option for pots.
Balance the spreading form of weeping maples with a wide bowl for a harmonized effect. Upright forms suit almost any finish or shape of pot, making them an easy option to style.
For best results keep them out of the harshest sun and drying winds.
These lush evergreens will offer year round colour, have sweetly scented flowers and best of all delicious fruit!
Citrus look and grow the best when given a nice big pot and lots of fertilizer. Grow in full sun for lush foliage and bumper production.
Cumquats, Tahitian limes, Meyer lemons and imperial mandarins are our favourite choices!
Camellias
These delightful small trees pack a colourful punch in the garden when everything else can be looking a little drab.
Best grown with regular moisture and fertilising with protection from the harshest sun.
Corymbia Baby Orange:
This dwarf growing version of an iconic Australian Gum makes an unexpectedly brilliant specimen in large pots. The large gum leaves make an excellent backdrop for neon orange flowers in Spring/Summer which are followed by over sized gum nuts.
Grow in full sun for best results. Plant in a pot with some texture to its finish to enhance their rugged good looks.
Michelia White Caviar:
This larger growing Michelia will bring a lot of lush to a large pot. Even better in Spring/Summer they are covered head to toe with fragrant cream and pink flowers.
Grow in full sun to part shade with regular moisture and fertilizer. Looks quaint in an antique finish pots and sleek in monochrome.
Nepalese Blue Bamboo:
Japanese, tropical and modern gardens all look sleeker with the addition of this stunning bamboo. Powder blue culms and soft weeping foliage, like all bamboos it needs a strong pot to call home.
Protect from the hottest sun and drying winds. Requires regular moisture. Looks good in pretty much any pot you put it in.
Crepe Myrtles:
That’s right, Melbourne’s favourite trees can go in a pot! Opt for smaller growing varieties like Tonto or Zuni for an easy option for a sunny spot!
Trees with low branches are great for creating a screen and those with more of a trunk can be clipped to create a compact shape. Opt for pots in block colours to really set off the flowers in summer.
Olives:
Gardeners have been keeping Olive trees in pots forever, and there is a good reason why! These elegant trees thrive with added drainage of a pot and make a handsome specimen for a sunny location.
Olives respond well to being prune so are easy to make work for your space. They look just as smart in traditional terracotta pots as sleek modern numbers.
Cercis Varieties
That’s right, these dreamy plants can be an absolute winner in a large pot in a protected position!
Set the bold foliage and flowers off against monochrome coloured pots for a modern and chic look. Make sure you keep the water up to them over summer to avoid scorch.
Wollemi Pine
This prehistoric giant might seem like an odd choice for a pot specimen, but it’s slow growth rate allows you to enjoy their magic for years and years!
Keep out of the harshest sun and provide regular moisture for optimum results. The beautiful structure looks equally good in pots with an earthy finish as a sleek matte black container.
The pot
If you’re wanting to grow anything in a pot, you need to choose one that is the appropriate size for your chosen plant.
Pots 40cm in diameter and under are suited to small shrubs or young plants you intend to pot up later down the track. For a medium sized shrub, something around the 50cm diameter will do the trick. To make a statement with a tree, aim for a pot 60cm or wider. Ultimately the bigger the pot, the larger your tree will grow.
The is also maintenance when it comes to pot plants. Regular watering and fertilizing is a must, as the plant has limited resources to draw on, and you will want to manage the size of the plant so it doesn’t out grow its pot too quickly. Then, every 5 years or so, you should pull the plant out of its pot and give the roots and canopy a good prune, before replanting with fresh potting mix. This will allow you to keep a plant potted indefinitely.
Whatever your space, we have a tree and pot combo to suit! We have a beautiful range of pots suitable for being home to a stunning feature tree. If you have a brilliant idea or don’t know where to start give us a call at 03 9819 9966 or drop us an email and we can help you find the right green solution for your garden!
10 Australian trees you should know about
Image - Wikimedia/Jackie Barker
How many types of trees are there in Australia? Considering that most of the continent is arid or semi-arid zone, it may be hard for you to believe that there are no more or less than 22,600 plant species, and a significant percentage of them are trees. We cannot tell you how many species of woody plants there are in this country, but to give you an idea, it is estimated that there are about 55 varieties of eucalyptus trees alone. In fact, eucalyptus forests cover about XNUMX million hectares.
Then, If you want to know the names of Australian trees, I will tell you some of them. . Some are more famous than others, but no doubt all of these plants are curious to say the least.
Index
- 1 Acacia Devibata
- 2 Banxia Kokzinei
- 3 Brahihiton Acerifolius
- 4 Corimbia Fitsifolia
- 5 Eucalyptus Big
- 7 Lofostemon0016
- 9 Rhodosphaera rodanthemum
- 10 Wollemia nobilis
Acacia deibata
Image - Wikimedia/Certo Xornal It is an evergreen tree that grows both on the south-southeast coast and in the southwest of the country. It also grows in neighboring Tasmania. Reaches 12 meters in height , and blooms at a very early age: usually from the second year of life. Flowers appear in late winter, yellow.
As a plant of great ornamental value, which is also drought tolerant, it is widely cultivated in Spain. The problem is that it has adapted so well in certain areas that it has become aggressive to the point that it is banned in the Iberian Peninsula - not in two archipelagos, which personally seems absurd to me, considering how other acacias behave in the Mediterranean area - (here you have a link to the Spanish catalog of invasive species).
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Banksia coccinea
Image - Wikimedia/John Jennings
Banksia alai is an evergreen tree. reaches 8 meters in height . It is native to Western Australia and has flowers clustered in spiky inflorescences that are bright red in color.
For this reason, this plant looks good both in large pots and in gardens of all kinds, including small ones, because not only does it have non-invasive roots, but it is also a real eye-catcher when it blooms. And if that wasn't enough, This plant can withstand light frosts.
Brachychiton acerifolius
Image - Wikimedia/Sheba_Also
El Brachychiton acerifolius is one of the native species of Brachychiton in this country and by far the most showy when in bloom. It grows on the east coast, specifically in regions with a subtropical climate, therefore it does not like cold very much, although withstands short-term frosts down to -3ºC . It can reach about 15 meters in height and develops a crown about 4-5 meters wide. The flowers appear in spring and are a fiery red color that attracts attention.
It is ideal for planting in Mediterranean gardens, for example, because although it does not resist drought as well as Brachychiton folk o el Brachychiton rupestris , also native to Australia, is also not among those that often need water.
Corymbia phycifolia
Image - Wikimedia / Biji
La Corymbia phycifolia This tree is known as the red eucalyptus or red-flowered eucalyptus, despite the fact that it does not belong to the genus Eucalyptus, but Corymbia. It grows on the south coast of Western Australia and reaches about 50 meters in height in its natural habitat (in cultivation it is difficult for it to exceed 10 meters).
It is an evergreen tree, not at all demanding, as it grows on a wide variety of soils, including infertile ones, and also, supports frosts until they are severe because if it falls below -3ºC, it will be seriously damaged .
Eucalyptus major
Image - Flickr / Harry Rose
El Eucalyptus magnus This is one of the hundreds of eucalyptus species native to Australia. This, in particular, is part of the coastal forests of the east of the continent. It can reach up to 50 meters in height. , with a trunk up to 2 meters in diameter at the base. Its bark is almost whitish, except for the underside, which is brown.
Tolerates cold well and frost down to -5ºC . In any case, it is important to clarify that it grows better if the climate is warm, frost-free or very weak.
Rubiginos Ficus
Image - Wikimedia / John Robert McPherson
El Rubiginos Ficus This evergreen tree is native to eastern Australia. In vernacular, it is known as the Port Jackson fig or moldy fig (due to the appearance of its leaves). reaches a height of 10-15 meters when cultivated. Of course, its crown is very wide, reaching 6-7 meters in the most adult specimens. Thus, the crown gives a lot of shade, which is undoubtedly appreciated when the sun is shining.
This is a plant that, due to its size, must be planted in the ground if the garden is large and the climate is tropical or subtropical. Does not resist frost.
Lofostemon konfertus
Image - Wikimedia / JMK
El Lofostemon konfertus An evergreen tree known as shrub boxwood grows on the east coast of Australia. It can reach a maximum height of 40 meters in origin, but in cultivation does not exceed 12 meters . The crown is dense and rather large, as it has a width of about 4-5 meters. Its flowers are white and appear in spring.
May inhabit tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. Withstands mild frosts down to -4ºC .
Poliskias murrayi
Image - Flickr / Tatters ✾
El Poliskias murrayi This tree is known as the cedar cedar, probably because it has a cylindrical trunk with smooth bark. It grows in the tropical forests of the eastern part of the country, and Can reach a height of about 25 meters. .
This is an evergreen plant, can withstand light frosts , but only if they are punctual and short.
Rhodosfaera rodanthemum
Image - Flickr / Tatters ✾
La Rhodosfaera rodanthemum This species is native to Queensland, Australia. Reaches a height of 20 meters , and develops rather large leaves, up to 30 cm long and about 10 cm wide. The flowers are pink, collected in paniculate inflorescences, the length of which does not exceed 20 centimeters.
Cultivated like a plant, is resistant to drought, when it is short-term, and to light frosts .
Wollemia nobilis
Image - Wikimedia / Fritz Geller-Grimm
La Wollemia nobilis This coniferous tree is considered a living fossil and is also critically endangered. Grows in the temperate forests of New South Wales, Australia. It is evergreen and Reaches an approximate height of 20 to 40 meters. .
Withstands temperatures down to -5ºC but does not like extreme heat (35ºC and above).
What do you think of these Australian trees?
What is the flora of Australia and where is it found?
Image - Wikimedia/Dinkum // Daintree Rainforest (Australia)
How does the flora of Australia work? Where do you live? Both on the Australian continent and on the nearby islands, we find many types of microclimates that allow a certain group of plants to grow. Thus, we can see both tropical rainforests and very dry regions where only very resistant species can survive.
According to Ello, there is such a variety of plant species that I'm sure you had one at home or in the garden , or what you have right now. You do not believe me? Well, look what I tell you.
Index
- 1 What is the Australian flora?
- 2 What are the characteristics of these different landscape types?
- 2.1 open forest
- 2.2 eucalyptus forest
- 2.3 desert and steppe
- 2.4 Mahia
- 2.5 Australian savanna
Thus, it is a country that has different types of vegetation grouped into different types of natural landscapes: jungle, savannah, steppe and desert, open and eucalyptus forests and maquis.
What are the characteristics of these different types of landscapes?
Just by the name we can already get an idea of what they are like, but let's see what kind of plants we find in each of them:
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open forest
Image - Wikimedia/Jesse Ivey
This is a temperate forest type. . Depending on the area, it may take more or less, but if there is a plant that we find, it is always eucalyptus, for example, eucalyptus. Eucalyptus regnans . Other plants are ferns, acacias, Tasmanian cedar ( Coupress arotaxis ) or boxwood brush ( Lofostemon conferencetus ).
eucalyptus forest
Image - Wikimedia/Poyt448 Peter Woodard
When we talk about the eucalyptus forest in Australia, Blue Mountains , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is inevitably mentioned.
Here, live about 90 different species of eucalyptus, which share habitat with plants considered to be living fossils such as Wollemia or Acrophyllum.
deserts and steppes
Australia is generally a very dry continent. Arid and semi-arid regions occupy most of the western and southern parts. The largest is the Great Victoria Desert, covering an area of 650,000 square kilometers.
For any plant to grow, there must be water, and in deserts this almost never happens. But in the steppes, yes, since about 500 mm of precipitation can fall in a year. Thus, It is here that low-growing shrubs and grasses that are very drought-resistant will grow.
Mahia
Maquis is an ecosystem dominated by a Mediterranean climate with very hot and dry summers and fairly mild winters. The plants that live here are mostly low-growing, evergreen trees and shrubs.
Australian savannah
Image - Wikimedia/Ethel Aardwark
The savannah is a biome with two types of seasons, one very dry and one with slightly more rain. Consequently, very few plants can survive here, with the exception of some acacias, eucalyptus trees, low shrubs and grasses.
Selvas
Image - Wikimedia / Rexness
These are tropical rainforests irrigated by summer monsoon rains. Here About 12000 mm of precipitation can fall annually. , which added to the fact that very mild (warm) temperatures allow a wide variety of plants to grow.
Palm trees such as kentia or archontophoenix, ferns, trees like the giant Agatis microstacia which can reach 50 meters in height, and of course coniferous trees such as Araucaria bidwillia .
Australian plant species
Finally, let's look at some plants typical of Australia:
Kentia (
Hovea forsteriana )Image - Wikimedia / Black Diamond Images
La kentian palm This is an endemic of Lord Howe Island, which belongs to New South Wales (Australia). It reaches a maximum height of 15 meters and has a trunk thickness of about 15 centimeters. . The leaves are pinnate, about 3 meters long, dark green.
It is widely grown as a houseplant, as it adapts very well to life inside buildings and houses. However, it is interesting to add that it withstands cold and even light frosts and can be grown outdoors in areas with a mild Mediterranean climate.
Giant rubber tree (
Eucalyptus regnans )Image - Wikimedia / Pimlico27
Giant gum Considered to be one of the tallest trees in the world, it reaches 110 meters in height. . Its trunk grows straight and branches several meters above the ground. Its growth rate is very fast as long as it has moisture and the weather is moderate or warm.
This species is endemic both on the Australian continent, where I live in the southeast, and in neighboring Tasmania.
Image - Flickr/Gene and Fred Hort
La Grevillea flexible This evergreen shrub is endemic to Western Australia. Grows up to 2 meters tall , and produces white flowers that sprout at the ends of some branches.
Image - Wikimedia/JJ Harrison
Known as emu or hakea needlewort, is a shrub native primarily to southwestern Australia, but also found in the southeast and is isolated further north on the continent and in Tasmania.
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