Shade is important in creating micro-climates and protecting our homes, and us, from the heat caused by rising temperatures. Climate change is making the creation of shade more vital than ever. But what should you plant in the space you have to create shade?
Local garden expert Ben Freeman from Freshford Wholesale Nursery, joined Deb Tribe and Sophie Thomson on Talkback Gardening to talk about his favourite shade trees for small, medium and large gardens.
There’s a top tree to suit every garden, whether it is small, large or something in between.
Ben’s recommendations include:
Compact trees up to 6 metres especially for smaller gardensMedium trees up to 7-12 metresLarge trees over 12 metres for substantial shade in larger propertiesSmall trees up to 6 metresHibiscus rubra – growing really well in a lot of newly developed suburbs of Playford council as pruned up smaller street treesLagerstroemia Sioux – good 4-5 metre high proven grower found in The Hills and all over the Adelaide PlainsGeijera parvifolia -grows well in very poor soils all over the state, tends to have smaller stumpier growth in SA, but there are some well-growing ones found through many council areas including some on the main road heading into Pt Wakefield.Brachychiton dwarf grafted varieties – Bella pink / jerildere red. Good in shape and form with lots of colour in flowers.Cercis canadensis both green leaf forms and red leaf (Forest Pansy) – both have good leaf shape and colour as well as nice flowers Medium trees up to 7-12 metresPistacia chinesis – grown by councils all over the state, offering great autumn colour, they hold good bushy form even with sometimes questionable branching structuresFraxinus urbdell – larger leaf ash, great for shade, handles most areas and soils all over the state Tristaniopsis laurina luscious – good hardy evergreen with great form and structureCorymbia citrodora scentious – being grafted has great height to growth ratio, very uniformedAcer negundo sensation – one of the hardier maples which in certain areas, can perform well, great autumn colour. Large trees over 12 metres for substantial shadeFicus macrophylla – awesome evergreen shade trees, also grows well in the Adelaide Hills’ cooler climateUlmus parvifolia Chinese Elm – both grafted forms and straight, a good grower right across the state, offers lovely character in its bark as an added winter element.Quercus canariensis -semi evergreen similar to Robur, big large shade tree and being semi evergreen is added bonus.Zelkova greenvase – semi vase growing in shape, handles well in council verges and parks and holds good form later in lifeCorymbia maculata – larger leaf (spotted gum ), grown across the state as a larger leaf with good shade aspect.Whether you’re a hobby gardener or are chasing some information on what will grow best through the seasons in South Australia, catch up with Sophie and Deb on Saturday mornings for Talkback Gardening from 8am.
Grow your green-thumb and listen on air via 891AM, on the ABC listen app or DAB+ digital radio, or live stream online at abc.net.au/adelaide
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