Shade trees

There are thousands of small- to medium-sized trees that cast shade, look good and may even offer us fruit! It’s a great idea to explore nurseries to find something unique that will thrive in your climate and be the talk of the neighbourhood for all the right reasons. Here are some tried-and-tested shade trees to consider.

Native shade trees

Weeping bottlebrush (Melaleuca viminalis)
This tree (above) has red bottlebrush flowers all year that birds and insects love. It is adaptable to most soils. Cultivars include ‘Harkness’ and ‘Dawson River Weeper’.
– Harkness grows 3–5m high and 2–3m wide
– Dawson River Weeper grows 3–5m high and 3–5m wide
– Suitable for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates

Wilga (Geijera parviflora)
A graceful tree with willow-like foliage. Clusters of white-and-yellow starfish-like flowers from winter to early summer are followed by small, globular green fruit. Drought tolerant.
– It grows 8–9m high and 8m wide
– Suitable for subtropical, arid, warm and cold temperate climates

Flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia) grafted
These small eucalypts light up in summer with red, pink and orange flowers that bring in the birds! They are moderately fast growing and need reasonably well-drained soil. Grow them in full sun in most areas but part shade in arid climates. The ’gumnuts’ are ornamental but can create a trip hazard. 
– It grows 4–6m high and 3–4m wide
– Suitable for tropical, subtropical, arid, warm temperate and cold temperate climates

Non-native trees

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
This deciduous tree is popular for its open, spreading canopy and blousy flowers from summer to autumn. Flower colours range from white to red and all shades in between, while Diamonds in the Dark cultivars have near-black leaves. Crepe myrtles can grow in all climates but need shelter in cold areas. They’re drought tolerant once established but water them during dry spells. Various cultivars are resistant to powdery mildew. The fallen flowers can be slippery. Avoid pruning to enjoy the tree’s natural vase shape and mottled trunk.
– It grows 3–6m high and 3–4m wide
– Suitable for tropical, subtropical, arid, warm and cold temperate climates

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
Grown for their spectacular autumn foliage, these trees are perfect for courtyards or in large pots. They grow best in temperate to cool climates, but Queensland nurseries stock varieties suitable for the subtropics. Plant in full sun in temperate and cold areas and afternoon shade in hot climates. Mulch well and water deeply during extended dry periods as stress may encourage borer attack. Select your tree in autumn from a local supplier if colour is important.
– It grows 4m high and 4m wide
– Suitable for subtropical, warm temperate and cold temperate climates

Citrus trees for shade

Providing shade and fruit, citrus prefer heat but grow in all climates. Grapefruit and Valencia oranges cope best in cold areas, while lemons and limes need a sheltered, sunny spot or to be grown in a pot that can be moved. Grow citrus trees in full sun, and provide shelter from wind. Grafted citrus produce fruit in 2–3 years. Consider one of the Australian rainforest trees – a finger lime (Citrus australasica) or lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula). 
– Grows 1.5m (dwarf)–5m high
– Suitable for tropical, subtropical, arid, warm temperate and cold temperate climates

Header image credit: iStock