Landscape Trees ? 4 Excellent Species For A Private Mediterranean Climate Garden
While it is tempting to be carried away by the spectacular flowers of a particular tree, remember that the blooms are invariably short-lived. Instead, it is advisable to choose a tree primarily for its landscaping properties.
Many people choose trees for their private garden based on flower color and fruit. While both these are desirable ingredients in a garden, they are not necessarily the best grounds for preferring one species over another. A well-chosen landscaping tree is essentially one whose form, shape, size and leaf texture, provide shade and in visual terms, plays a specific and dominating role in the garden composition. Counter intuitive as it may be, flowers and fruit are better considered as a bonus and not as the most important, let alone the only criterion on which to base a decision.
Here are four examples of fine landscape trees that are particularly suitable for small private gardens, if not tiny ones, in a dry, Mediterranean climate. I have deliberately singled out species that are neither noted for their spectacular blooms, nor for providing edible fruit, but instead as beautiful shapes in the landscape. All, as it happens are deciduous.
Celtis australis (Hackberry)
Hackberry simply has a beautiful form, light grey bark, which becomes warty in age, and a uniquely delightful leaf texture. A fine specimen is a splendid piece of architecture to behold. It grows at a moderate rate to about 12 meters (30-40 feet) and so is unsuited to very small backyards. The roots on the other hand are not aggressive, and so it can be planted safely close to buildings. Hackberry’s blooms are completely insignificant, but it has decorative, berry-like fruit, and in cold areas, lovely leaf color in the autumn.
Koelreuteria bipinnata (Chinese Flame Tree)
Koelreuteria is a fast growing tree that reaches to about 8 meters (25 feet) in Mediterranean climates; possibly more in warm winter ones. Its roots are not aggressive. Unlike the Hackberry, it requires careful pruning to achieve the satisfying, open shape for which it is famed. It sports pretty, yellow flowers in the summer, followed by very decorative fruits that resemble oriental lanterns. It is not noted for particularly wonderful fall color.
Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallow Tree)
For phenomenal autumn color, Chinese Tallow is probably unmatched in the mild winters typical of Mediterranean climates. It grows to about 10-12 meters, with a distinctly round or conical canopy. In terms of its natural shape, Sapium could be considered a substitute for Ash species that are generally too large for small plots. While excellent in dry climates, it is becoming an invasive pest close to rivers and in wetter areas. Flowers and fruit are not especially significant.
Melia azedarach (Chinaberry)
Chinaberry grows very quickly to about 12 meters or so. The most beautiful specimens are those that grow to a flat, umbrella shape, but as form is highly variable within the species, it is not always possible to be certain as to the final shape of the mature tree. The leaves are a deep green, finely toothed, and provide a delicate, almost feathery texture. For this reason, the tree combines well with ornamental grasses. Chinaberry’s lilac flowers are followed by decorative fruit. It can self sow and become a pest in wet areas, but this is not usually a problem in the long, dry summers of a Mediterranean climate.
The smaller the garden space, the more important it becomes to choose a tree according to landscaping criteria and not be carried away by the showy blooms of a species that may be totally unsuitable for a particular plot. Try to think shape, size and form first , and allow the shrubs and herbaceous plants in the garden to be the principle suppliers of color.
About the author
My name is Jonathan Ya’akobi.I’ve been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984.I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners.I also teach horticulture to students on training courses.I’d love to help you get the very best from your garden,so you’re welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com or contact mejonathan@dryclimategardening.com
Tags: celtis australis, cold areas, edible fruit, fast growing tree, flame tree, flower color, flowers and fruit, grey bark, landscape trees, leaf color, leaf texture, mediterranean climate, mediterranean climates, moderate rate, private gardens, shape size, spectacular blooms, spectacular flowers, splendid piece, warm winter