Trees for Southern California

Southern California with its warm year long weather gives gardeners the opportunity to grow trees not seen in most of the rest of the country. They have their choice of tropical and sub tropical trees from around the world. Unusual and colorful flowers abound on the trees and contribute their own fragrance to the garden. Trees are both deciduous and evergreen and come in all sizes and shapes to fit in any size space and any landscaping plan.

Peppermint Tree (Agonis flexuosa) is a small evergreen that grows up to 40 feet tall with a 30 foot crown spread. The tree produces weeping branches with green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom from early to late summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade and a moist, loamy soil. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.

Coral Gum (Eucalyptus torquata) the plant is a tall shrub or small tree that grows from 5 to 15 feet tall. The tree features thin drooping branches, light to golden green leaves with a strong, pungent odor and coral red or yellow flowers that bloom all year long. Plant in full sun or partial shade and well drained soil. Coral gum is able to stand up to drought, heat and humidity and is hardy in zones 8 to 10.

Hong Kong Orchid-Tree(Auhinia blakeana) grows from 20 to 40 feet tall and 20 to 25 feet wide with gray green leaves 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 2 to 4 inches long. The 6-inch long flowers resemble an orchid and come in shades of purple, rose, and pink, blooming in summer, fall and early winter. Plant in full sun, partial shade or full shade and a soil that is well-drained. The tree is drought tolerant and hardy in zones 9b through 11.

Silk Oak (Grevillea robusta) grows up to 75 feet tall with a crown spread of about 25 feet. The grey-green leaves are silver on the underside, 2 to 4 inches long and resemble a fern. Yellow orange flowers bloom in the spring growing in large clusters. The flowers are followed by black seed pods. Plant in full sun and a soil that is moist to wet. The tree is hardy in zones 9b to 11 and is drought tolerant.