
Evergreen trees are a cornerstone of Australian landscapes, offering year-round foliage, shade, and aesthetic appeal. At Kilby Park Tree Farm, we pride ourselves on providing a diverse selection of evergreen trees and shrubs tailored to thrive in Melbourne’s unique climate. Below, we highlight ten exceptional evergreen trees that can enhance any garden or landscape in Australia.
- Corymbia ficifolia Varieties – Flowering Gums
Renowned for their vibrant blossoms, Flowering Gums boast a dense canopy of large leaves. Depending on the variety, mature heights can suit various garden sizes. In spring, they produce brightly coloured flowers ranging from rich reds to vibrant oranges, attracting bees and nectar-feeding birds. Varieties include:
- Corymbia Baby Orange
- Corymbia Precious Pink
- Corymbia Wildfire
- Elaeocarpus reticulatus’ Prima Donna’
This upright, evergreen tree is gaining popularity among Melbourne landscapers. Its columnar habit makes it ideal for informal screening, and the ever-changing foliage colours ensure visual interest throughout the year. It showcases a magnificent display of pink bell-shaped flowers in spring, making it one of the most attractive evergreen trees available.
- Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’
True to its name, ‘Luscious’ features a dense canopy of large, glossy green leaves, making it an excellent choice for contemporary gardens. The creamy-grey bark stands out beautifully against darker backgrounds, and its narrow habit adds versatility to various landscape designs.
- Brachychiton acerifolius ‘Jerilderie Red’
A medium-growing tree full of character, this evergreen native boasts broad, pointed leaves in a zesty green hue. In summer, it becomes adorned with bright red flowers, adding vibrant colour and interest to gardens. It’s a great choice for both native and contemporary landscapes.
- Citrus Varieties
Evergreen fruit trees like citrus are not only productive but also aesthetically pleasing. A well-shaped citrus tree offers lush foliage, fragrant blossoms, and colourful fruit. Varieties suitable for Melbourne gardens include:
- Eureka Lemon
- Meyer Lemon
- Lisbon Lemon
- Tahitian Lime
- Kaffir Lime
- Blood Orange
- Washington Navel Orange
- Imperial Mandarin
- Tangelo Minneola
- Ruby Grapefruit
- Cumquat
- Corymbia citriodora ‘Scentuous’
For those who admire the graceful foliage of the Lemon Scented Gum but are concerned about its size, ‘Scentuous’ is an ideal alternative. This stunning evergreen tree grows to a manageable height of 7 meters tall by 3 meters wide, retaining its larger counterpart’s aromatic qualities and elegant appearance.
- Magnolia’ Kay Parris’
Magnolias are celebrated for their striking flowers and sweet fragrance. The evergreen ‘Kay Parris variety features large, glossy green leaves with a rusty brown underside, providing year-round interest. In summer, it produces large, pearly white flowers with a lovely fragrance, making it a favourite among garden enthusiasts.
- Olive Varieties
Olive trees are perhaps the most readily recognized evergreen trees across the city. They offer a Mediterranean aesthetic and produce fruit, making them functional and decorative. Their silvery-green foliage adds a unique texture to gardens and is well-suited to Melbourne’s climate.
- Acacia cognata ‘Green Screen’
The Acacia cognata’ Green Screen’ is an exceptional evergreen shrub that distinguishes itself with a graceful, cascading form and bright lime-green foliage. Growing up to 4 meters tall, this plant is versatile enough to create private screens or serve as a feature planting in modern landscapes. Its extreme drought tolerance makes it an intelligent choice for challenging Australian environments.
- Acmena smithii’ Fire Screen’
For gardeners seeking a splash of colour and robust growth, the Acmena smithii’ Fire Screen’ is an excellent evergreen shrub. This ornamental lilly pilly features intriguing coppery new growth that matures to a glossy green. It is highly adaptable and functions brilliantly as a hedge material, a privacy screen, or a standalone botanical feature. Moreover, its resistance to psyllid pests ensures a healthy garden presence.
Why Choose Kilby Park Tree Farm?
- Extensive Selection: Our nursery offers various evergreen trees and shrubs, including native species and popular cultivars, ensuring you find the perfect plants for your landscaping projects.
- Expert Guidance: With nearly two decades of experience, our knowledgeable team provides personalized advice to help you select and care for plants that suit your specific needs.
- Sustainable Practices: We are committed to environmentally responsible growing methods, ensuring our plants are healthy and contribute positively to the ecosystem.
Explore Our Evergreen Collection
Whether you’re looking to create a lush garden oasis, establish a privacy screen, or add year-round colour to your landscape, our selection of evergreen trees and shrubs has something to offer. Visit our nursery to explore options like:
- Corymbia ficifolia Varieties (Flowering Gums): Known for their vibrant blossoms and dense canopies, these natives attract wildlife and add striking colour to any garden.
- Elaeocarpus reticulatus’ Prima Donna’: This upright tree features ever-changing foliage and pink bell-shaped flowers in spring, making it a standout choice for informal screening.
- Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’: With glossy green leaves and creamy-grey bark, this tree adds a contemporary touch to landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of planting evergreen trees and shrubs in Melbourne?
Evergreen plants provide consistent foliage throughout the year, offering continuous shade, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. They also serve as windbreaks and habitats for local wildlife.
- How do I choose the right evergreen species for my garden?
Consider factors such as the plant’s mature size, growth habit, soil preferences, and sunlight requirements. Our team at Kilby Park Tree Farm can assist you in selecting species that align with your landscape design and environmental conditions.
- Are evergreen trees and shrubs drought-tolerant?
Many evergreen species, particularly native varieties like Acacia cognata’ Green Screen’ and Corymbia citriodora ‘Scentuous’, are well-adapted to withstand periods of drought once established. However, regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial.
- Can evergreen shrubs be used for hedging and screening?
Absolutely. Evergreen shrubs such as Acmena smithii’ Fire Screen’ are ideal for creating dense hedges and privacy screens due to their consistent foliage and manageable growth habits.
- How should I care for my evergreen plants after planting?
Proper care includes regular watering during the establishment period, mulching to retain soil moisture, and periodic pruning to maintain desired shapes and promote healthy growth. Fertilizing in the growing season can also support vigorous development.
Visit Us Today
Enhance your landscape with evergreen trees and shrubs’ timeless beauty and functionality. Visit Kilby Park Tree Farm to explore our extensive collection and receive expert advice tailored to your gardening needs.
For more information, contact us at (03) 9859 9190 or visit our website at www.kilbytreefarm.com.au