Many beautiful deciduous and coniferous trees can be found in almost every garden. If you want to set accents in your area and make your neighbors stare in amazement, you will opt for unusual types. The ones presented here also thrive well in our climate and are an ornament for the front garden.
The Katsura tree inspires with its leaf shape and autumn colors
Unusual garden trees
Sometimes it's the eye-catching blossoms, sometimes the shape and color of the leaves or the growth habit: a tree can do much more than just provide shade, it can also become a fascinating eye-catcher. If the usual range of garden centers is not enough for you, take a look at our suggestions.
Chinese bluebell tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
With its lush foliage, this deciduous tree, which can grow to a height of 15 meters, has an almost tropical appearance. With its thick, sparsely branched branches, it builds up a picturesque, spreading crown. However, the violet, funnel-shaped flowers are particularly striking. They appear in large panicles at the ends of last year's twigs and open in April just before the leaves unfold.
Gingko or fan leaf tree (Ginkgo biloba)
Native to China and Japan, this deciduous deciduous tree grows to a height of 30 meters when mature. There are numerous varieties that differ in habit and foliage. The dwarf gingko 'Marieken' is particularly recommended for small gardens and pots.
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
The deciduous, early budding Katsura tree is also called cake or gingerbread tree. It usually grows into a multi-stemmed tree up to 15 meters high with a conical crown. The species has bluish-green leaves on the upper side, which are peculiar to the hands and turn a splendid light yellow to scarlet red in autumn. The falling leaves give off a cake-like scent. This beautiful tree grows slowly and therefore finds enough space even in medium-sized gardens.
Handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata)
The deciduous handkerchief tree is also called the dove tree. It slowly grows to a tree about 15 meters high. The broad, heart-shaped leaves are fresh green on top and densely covered with silky hairs on the underside. The flowers of this tree are quite unusual: they are actually inconspicuous, but flanked by white, hanging bracts that are up to 16 centimeters long. Trees in full bloom offer a spectacular sight during the flowering period in May/June.
Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
The tulip tree is closely related to the magnolia, but grows much larger, between 25 and 40 meters in height. The bluish-green leaves turn a gorgeous golden yellow in autumn. The real attraction, however, are the tulip-like flowers with yellow petals.
tips
Among the conifers, the bald cypress, which is up to 40 meters high, is considered an unusual exotic species. The tree is very suitable for planting at the edge of a lake or pond.