Garden Trees - Shade, Ornamental & Fast-Growing Varieties

Water Pear is a hardy, indigenous evergreen that thrives in the Western Cape's varied conditions, from urban gardens to larger landscapes where reliable screening and shade are desired. This fast-growing tree forms a lush, year-round screen with its dense, glossy foliage, delivering excellent privacy, natural shade, and effective noise reduction for residential and commercial properties. From August to December, it delights with clusters of creamy-white, sweetly scented flowers that attract beneficial bees and pollinators while bringing seasonal interest to your landscape. Plant 4-5m apart for screening or use as specimen trees in garden beds and larger landscapes. Feed annually in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth. For young trees, provide support with tree stakes and secure with tree ties until well established. Apply pine mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil and water regularly during the first year. Once established, it becomes low-maintenance and water-wise, making it a favourite for sustainable, long-term indigenous plantings. Learn how to plant a tree the right way for successful Water Pear establishment, or discover how to choose the perfect tree for your garden with indigenous screening trees like Water Pear.

The Wild Olive is one of South Africa’s most treasured indigenous trees, known for its timeless beauty and resilience. Its silvery-green leaves and rugged trunk add instant character to gardens, while its drought tolerance makes it a dependable choice for the Western Cape.

Best planted in full sun, this evergreen tree grows slowly but steadily into a long-lived garden feature. It thrives in coastal and dry conditions and can also be pruned into a neat hedge or trained for use in a large pot. 

 The wild olive has beautiful wood for furniture making. Has many medicinal uses.

One of the most beautiful indigenous trees. Tough enough to be used as a street tree and small enough to fit into a townhouse garden. When in flower at Christmas it looks like a giant candy floss, as the tree transforms into a cloud of soft pink balls. It is classified as having a non invasive root system.

Leopard Tree is a slender, distinctive tree that boasts a uniquely colorful trunk with leopard-like markings, making it a perfect statement piece for small gardens and urban landscapes. This elegant tree features a dainty canopy that allows ample light to filter through, making it an excellent choice for planting on lawns where filtered shade is desired. In spring, small yellow bell-shaped flowers grace its branches, followed by the emergence of dark seed pods that add seasonal interest. Plant 6-8m apart for grove plantings or use as specimen trees in garden beds and courtyards. Feed annually in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth. For young trees, provide support with tree stakes and secure with tree ties until well established. Apply pine mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be mindful of its extensive root system which mirrors the tree's above-ground size, and provide wind protection as this tree is sensitive to strong wind conditions. Learn how your garden can support local ecosystems with distinctive feature trees like Leopard Tree, or discover water-wise gardening techniques for creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes.

A handsome, indigenous tree, suitable for most gardens. Beautiful deep red flowers make this a feature tree for summer shade.

Deciduous to semi-deciduous. Dark green foliage turns copper-red in spring. Nectar-rich flowers from Sept-Oct. Bright red, nectar-filled flowers will invite birds and bees to the garden.

Low maintenance. Cut to any shape or size. 

Liquidambar is a popular ornamental deciduous tree that's easily recognized by its distinctive five-pointed star-shaped leaves and spectacular autumn transformation into brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple. This stunning deciduous tree creates breathtaking seasonal displays that make it a prized addition to larger gardens, parks, and landscapes where dramatic autumn color is desired. The unique star-shaped foliage provides excellent summer shade before transforming into one of nature's most spectacular autumn shows. Plant 6-8m apart for grove plantings or use as specimen trees in garden beds and larger landscapes. Feed annually in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth. For young trees, provide support with tree stakes and secure with tree ties until well established. Apply pine mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for the best autumn color development. Learn more about FALLing in love with deciduous trees this AUTUMN with spectacular trees like Liquidambar.

Water Oak is a Cape Garden favourite and an attractive, medium-sized deciduous tree that's fast-growing, ensuring you'll be rewarded with a magnificent specimen in just a few years. This versatile oak does extremely well in urban areas and is often planted along avenues for its uniform shape and reliable performance in challenging city conditions. The Water Oak tolerates clay soil and provides excellent autumn color displays, making it perfect for larger gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes where seasonal interest is desired. Plant 8-10m apart for avenue plantings or use as specimen trees in garden beds and larger landscapes. Feed annually in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer and enrich soil with quality compost for optimal growth. For young trees, provide support with tree stakes and secure with tree ties until well established. Apply pine mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Plant in full sun with well-drained to clay soil for best performance. Learn more about FALLing in love with deciduous trees this AUTUMN with spectacular oaks like Water Oak, or discover how to choose the perfect tree for your garden with fast-growing shade trees.

A well-shaped and fast growing evergreen tree with low branches. The smooth grey bark will become rough with age. Tiny yellow bell-shaped flowers will attract birds, bees & butterflies from early spring. Male and female flowers are carried on seperate trees. In winter the tree carries greenish-yellow pods with shiny orange coated seeds. Ideal to use as a hedge or screen.

A hardy, indigenous shrub that’s perfect for coastal Western Cape gardens. Dune Crowberry forms a dense, evergreen hedge that handles wind, salt spray, and drought with ease. Its fine-textured foliage and small berries attract birds, while its thick growth provides privacy and shelter. Whether clipped neatly as a hedge or left natural for a softer look, Searsia crenata thrives with minimal care and is one of the best choices for wind-exposed sites.

A fast growing evergreen indigenous tree that will attract birds to your garden and will tolerate heavy winds and drought conditions even though it naturally prefers to grow along river banks. 

The forest elder is an attractive, moisture-loving, medium-sized tree. This tree will give you an abundance of white flowers in the grey winter months and is an excellent investment for a focal feature in a smaller garden.  It has been classified as having a non invasive root system. Evergreen. Cut to any size. Suitable for planting in pots.

A perfect tree for the suburban garden as it is quick and easy to grow, tolerates wind and drought, is evergreen with a graceful habit and a neat crown and won't get too big.

The Buddleja Auriculata can be planted as either a small evergreen tree or as a large shrub. It is known for its winter enchantment, as it bursts into bloom with honey-scented cream flowers delicately adorning the ends of weeping branches. Buddleja is also an ideal indigenous choice for creating a stunning hedge.

A beautiful indigenous evergreen tree or large shrub, with a spreading crown of glossy bright green leaves on drooping branches. Often grown as a screening hedge. 

Nectar rich, trumpet shaped flowers, are produced directly on the main branches. The abundance of tubular, orange-red flowers appear from autumn until early summer. Ideal for small gardens and will attract birds.

This magnificent magnolia is a spreading tree or large shrub with a profusion of goblet-shaped, fragrant flowers in white, pink, purple or red-purple. The blooms appear on naked branches, before the leaves unfold.

A fast growing deciduous tree that provides dappled shade in summer and shows off a stunning silhouette in the winter when the tree is bare. The abundant crop of edible dark orange berries adds extra interest in autumn when the leaves turn golden yellow. If planted as an avenue or speciman tree, they can be pruned and trained into any suitable shape when young.

A lovely shade tree that is not only grown as an ornamental tree in gardens but also widely cultivated for its edible pods that when dried is often ground to carob powder as a replacement for cocoa powder.

Frangipani’s are small tropical trees with highly fragrant flowers that bloom freely from spring to autumn. Various colours are available. This spectacular deciduous tree handles wind and coastal conditions. They grow well in pots.  This tree has been classified as having a non invasive root system. All parts of the Frangipani are considered mildly toxic.

If you have a large garden, this indigenous tree will provide you with a very wide canopy of shade. The birds will love the small fig fruits and the kids will love the many branches to climb. This tree is ideal for building a treehouse. Plant with enough space between tree and permanent structures as it has invasive roots.

An excellent tub subject for patios. Evergreen and indigenous.

When young, the leaves have a rosy tinge and the stems are red. It bears spikes of sweetly scented creamy-white flowers in autumn.

This attractive evergreen tree will attract insects to your garden.   This is a relatively small tree, growing well in sun and shade. Prefers a cool and moist environment and therefore best to avoid hot, dry areas in the garden.

With a non-invasive root system it can be planted about 2 m from a building or pool. 

Frangipanis are compact tropical trees known for their intensely sweet-scented flowers that bloom abundantly from spring through autumn. They come in a range of colors. This striking deciduous tree is tolerant of windy and coastal environments and adapts well to container growth. It features a root system classified as non-invasive. Note that all parts of the Frangipani are mildly toxic.

Frangipanis are small tropical trees with lovely scented flowers that bloom from spring to autumn. They come in different colors and can grow well in pots. This tree can withstand wind and coastal weather and has a root system that doesn’t spread aggressively. Be aware that all parts of the Frangipani are mildly toxic.

This dramatic architectural succulent creates a striking focal point with its thick, sword-like blue-green leaves arranged in dense rosettes atop a sturdy trunk. Perfect for contemporary gardens, large containers, or as an impressive indoor statement plant in bright, indirect light. The Dragon Tree develops its distinctive umbrella shape over time and produces fragrant cream flower clusters in summer when grown outdoors. Plant as a single specimen for maximum impact, allowing 2-3m spacing from other plants outdoors, or choose a substantial pot for indoor growing. Feed with a balanced succulent fertilizer in spring and again in mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and maintain its impressive stature, reducing feeding frequency for indoor plants.

The Pavetta lanceolata, also known as the Wild Coffee or White Pavetta, is a stunning shrub that bursts with fragrant, white flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its glossy green leaves and compact growth make it an ideal choice for adding texture and fragrance to gardens. This hardy plant is perfect for creating a lush, natural look in both formal and wild landscapes.

The decorative and handsome leaves of this medium to large tree turn bright red to purple in winter, dropping just before flowering, which starts around August and continues to November. Quick growing and reasonably cold resistant, this tree should be planted at least 5m from buildings and pools.

Ficus Natalensis | Natal Fig is a stunning African native bonsai tree known for its graceful branching, thick trunk, and glossy, bright green foliage. With its strong aerial roots and adaptability, it creates a striking miniature tree form perfect for both beginners and experienced bonsai enthusiasts. This, (the) Natal fig thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys regular watering with good drainage. Naturally resilient and fast-growing, the Natal Fig makes a bold, sculptural statement indoors or on a sheltered patio.

Acacia Bonsai Starter is a beginner-friendly bonsai plant featuring delicate, feathery foliage and attractive bark texture. Known for its resilience and fast growth, this hardy tree adapts well to shaping and pruning, making it ideal for bonsai training. With regular care, it develops into a graceful miniature tree with a natural, airy form. Thrives in semi-shade (morning sun & afternoon shade, or filtered sun)and well-drained soil, bringing a touch of wild African beauty to your Bonsai collection.

The Barringtonia racemosa (Powder Puff Tree) dazzles with its vibrant, fluffy pink or white flowers, creating a tropical, eye-catching focal point. Fast-growing and lush, it thrives in coastal gardens, adding bold colour and a touch of exotic flair to any landscape.

Lydenburgia abbottii is a rare and endemic tree species found in the mistbelt forests of South Africa. Known for its glossy, dark green leaves and slow-growing nature, this evergreen tree plays a vital role in its native ecosystem. It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils and is often found in shaded, undisturbed forest areas. Due to habitat loss and limited distribution, Lydenburgia abbottii is considered a threatened species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. This unique tree is a testament to South Africa’s rich biodiversity, offering both ecological value and botanical intrigue.

Ficus plants are one of the most popular plants for beginners to bonsai.  Often shaped with a cascading trunk and topped with glossy, dark green oval leaves. 

Pittosporum Picturata is an evergreen shrub or small tree with beautiful yellow and green variegated leaves on dark stems, bears scented greenish-white flowers in summer.

This plant responds well to pruning and has a non-invasive root system, making it ideal for a small, town house garden.

Works well in a coastal garden and can be trimmed as a small hedge.

The Cassipourea gummiflua (Large-Leaved Cassipourea) is a stunning evergreen tree with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Its elegant form and year-round greenery make it a perfect shade tree for gardens, while its resilience ensures low-maintenance beauty. Add a touch of natural charm and timeless appeal to your outdoor space with this indigenous gem.