Finding The Best Ornamental Trees for Gardens in Australia

A beautiful tree can do wonders for your garden. Whether it’s the fresh green leaves of spring, a burst of colour in autumn, or soft dappled shade on a summer afternoon, ornamental trees bring life, movement and personality to outdoor spaces.

There’s something special about choosing a tree that feels right for your garden. One that suits the space, matches your style and adds something unique across the seasons. From charming cottage gardens to clean, modern designs, there are ornamental trees to suit every setting.

With a bit of planning and the right knowledge, you can find a tree that not only looks stunning but also thrives in your space for years to come, becoming a feature you’ll enjoy through every season.

What Makes a Tree ‘Ornamental’?

Ornamental trees are the feature pieces of a garden. They’re chosen not for fruit or heavy shade, but for their visual appeal and the atmosphere they create in an outdoor space.

A Beautiful Shape or Structure

Some trees grow tall and narrow, perfect for lining driveways or adding a sense of formality. Others have wide, spreading canopies that bring softness and shade to relaxed garden areas. Whether upright, rounded or gracefully weeping, shape adds character.

Colourful or Textured Foliage

Foliage is one of the most eye-catching features. Look for trees with rich green leaves, vibrant autumn tones or striking variegation. Trees like Ginkgo and Copper Beech offer seasonal colour that draws attention year after year.

Seasonal Flowers or Decorative Bark

Many ornamental trees bloom beautifully in spring or summer, adding scent and colour to the garden. Fragrant varieties like Chimonanthus or Paulownia can fill the space with seasonal perfume, while others shine through winter with interesting bark that peels, glows or contrasts against bare branches.

Shade, Screening and Privacy

While they’re mainly chosen for their looks, ornamental trees can still offer practical benefits. A well-placed tree can help cool a sunny courtyard, create a sense of privacy or frame a garden bed. Ornamental trees are about more than looks. They help create an inviting, layered space that feels complete and welcoming.

Matching Trees to Garden Styles

Every garden has its own personality, and the right ornamental tree can help bring that style to life. Whether your outdoor space is formal and structured or wild and whimsical, there’s a tree to match.

Formal Gardens

Structured layouts, clean lines and symmetry are the hallmarks of a formal garden. Look for trees with a uniform shape, sculptural presence or upright growth habit.

Try these:

• Tilia (Linden) – A classic choice with a strong central form and fragrant summer flowers.
• Hornbeam (Carpinus) – Ideal for pleaching or creating neat, leafy screens.
• Silver Birch – Elegant white trunks and soft foliage bring lightness without losing structure.

Cottage Gardens

Cottage gardens are full of colour, charm and softness. Trees that bloom in spring or display bold seasonal foliage blend beautifully into this relaxed style.

Try these:

• Paulownia (Princess Tree) – Fast-growing with striking purple flowers.
• Chimonanthus Winter Sweet – Delicate blooms in the colder months with a sweet fragrance.
• Chinese Pistachio – A deciduous tree that puts on a show of brilliant autumn colour.

Native Gardens

Australian native gardens often mix ornamental appeal with habitat support for birds and pollinators. Compact native trees with decorative bark, soft flowering or vibrant new growth can be both practical and beautiful.

Try these:

• Flowering Gum – Eucalyptus ‘Summer Red’ – A striking native tree with large red blossoms that attract birds and bring bold colour to the garden.
• Acmena ‘Smithii Minor’ (a Lilly Pilly cultivar) – A popular evergreen with glossy foliage, fluffy cream flowers, and bright berries. Suitable for hedges, containers, or small tree planting.

These native varieties pair well with other trees from the Ornamental Trees 2025 range for a mixed or blended planting style.

Modern and Minimalist Gardens

Contemporary gardens often focus on strong shapes, clean lines and low-maintenance plants. Trees with architectural form or interesting bark work well here.

Try these:

• Ginkgo Lemonline Spire – Distinctive fan-shaped leaves and golden autumn tones.
• Tropical Birch – Pale bark and light canopy for a refined look.
• Black Tupelo – Striking foliage and an upright habit with seasonal interest.

Small Spaces and Courtyards

Limited space doesn’t mean you have to skip trees. Look for slow-growing or compact varieties that offer beauty without overwhelming the area.

Try these:

• Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ – A small deciduous tree with heart-shaped burgundy leaves and pink spring blossoms.
• Scarlet Oak – Offers shade and interest while staying tidy in form.
• Consider columnar or dwarf varieties for narrow spaces or large containers.

How to Choose the Right Ornamental Tree for Your Garden

Finding a tree that looks good is only part of the story. The best ornamental trees also fit the space well, suit local growing conditions, and bring lasting value to your garden. Here are a few things to think about before planting:

Consider the Mature Size

It’s important to know how big the tree will get. A small courtyard might call for a compact or columnar tree like Chinese Pistachio, while a larger yard could accommodate something broader like Paulownia. Always check the tree’s full-grown height and spread before choosing a spot.

Think About Light and Soil

Most ornamental trees thrive in full sun, but some prefer partial shade. Soil type matters too. Some trees are more tolerant of clay or dry conditions, while others need well-drained ground. Knowing your site’s conditions can help you narrow down your options.

Decide on Evergreen or Deciduous

Evergreen ornamental trees provide greenery year-round, which is great for structure and privacy. Deciduous trees offer changing foliage and seasonal interest. For example, Ginkgo biloba puts on a golden display in autumn before dropping its leaves for winter.

Match Purpose to Plant

Ask yourself what you want the tree to do. Are you after shade for a seating area? A seasonal focal point? A soft privacy screen? Choose a tree that supports the feel and function of your garden.

Allow Room to Grow

Ornamental trees often look delicate when first planted, but they can expand quickly. Be sure to leave enough space from fences, buildings and other plants so the tree can develop its natural shape.

Bring Your Garden to Life with the Perfect Ornamental Tree

The right ornamental tree can transform your garden into a space that feels complete, welcoming and full of character. Whether you’re looking for seasonal colour, soft screening or a standout feature, a thoughtfully chosen tree adds lasting value and beauty to any outdoor space.

With so many beautiful options available, now is the perfect time to explore the Ornamental Trees 2025 collection and find a variety that suits your style and space. Browse the full Ornamental Trees 2025 range at Garden Express and discover the tree that will take your garden to the next level.

Ornamental Trees FAQ

What is the difference between ornamental trees and regular trees?

Ornamental trees are selected for their appearance and the design value they bring to a garden. They often have decorative features like flowers, coloured foliage, striking bark or a beautiful shape. While many regular trees are grown for shade, timber or fruit, ornamental trees are all about enhancing the look and feel of your outdoor space.

What are some of the best ornamental trees for gardens in Australia?

Popular choices include Silver Birch, Chinese Pistachio, Paulownia, and Ginkgo biloba. These trees offer strong visual appeal and perform well in many Australian climates.

Are there ornamental trees suitable for small backyards or courtyards?

Yes. Many ornamental trees are compact or slow growing, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Options like Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ or Chinese Pistachio seasonal interest without taking over the garden.

Do ornamental trees lose their leaves in winter?

Some do and some don’t. Deciduous ornamental trees like Ginkgo biloba or Wintersweet drop their leaves in autumn, often with a beautiful colour display beforehand. Evergreen ornamental trees keep their foliage year-round and are great for structure and privacy.

Can ornamental trees help with privacy or screening?

Absolutely. While they are often planted for their beauty, many ornamental trees also serve practical purposes. Taller or bushier varieties can help filter views, block unwanted lines of sight or provide shade in key areas of the garden.