Small Trees
Shade is king in our hot climate, but large-growing trees can be a hazard near the house. Planting many small-growing trees close to your home will cast shade on the windows and walls without posing a serious risk in high wind. Small growing trees also act as a visual focal point. They can be placed on the corner of the house to soften the edges, or in the middle of a garden bed to draw attention to the flowers.
Vitex (Chaste Tree)
Fast-growing, and I mean fast-growing plants produce amazing spikes of purplish blue flowers in the hot summertime. Pollinators love the blooms that form on these small trees. Vitex can grow in a wide range of soils, even thriving in poor sandy soils near the coast. These trees mature at roughly 15’ tall, but can be cut back hard every few years to prevent them from outgrowing their space.
Bloodgood Japanese Maples
The most popular Japanese Maple in Tallahassee because the dark maroon leaves hold their color from spring-fall and tolerate full sun. Plants in sunnier locations produce the richest color. Expect bright, glowing red fall color. These upright, deciduous trees reach roughly 15’-20’ tall & 12’ wide.
Native Fringe Tree
Also known as Grancy Greybeard – While Dogwood trees have been in decline for years, the Native Fringe Tree is taking its place. The masses of white, fringe-like flowers simply spill off the tree’s branches like ivory colored spanish moss. The small trees grow well in full sun or bright shade, and tolerate most soil conditions.
Chinese Fringe Tree
Clusters of pure white, fringed flowers cover the well-structured branches of these small trees in springtime. The compact trees respond well to pruning and shaping, making them a good choice for smaller spaces where size must be controlled. Very easy-care plants for full sun.
Taiwan Cherry
These trees are usually the first blooms of the year, often starting to flower in January! Clouds of deep, fuschia pink flowers attract masses of honeybees and other pollinators. The small red fruits that follow are relished by spring birds. The small-growing trees quickly grow to 20’ tall, but never get too big, making them a great choice to plant near your house.
Red Buckeye
One of our showiest native trees that produce countless spikes of red, trumpet-shaped blooms in the early spring, which are a valuable food source for hummingbirds. These small trees thrive in the shade of larger mature trees. While Red Buckeye trees are slow to start, they will grow into one of your favorite garden plants in time.
Ashe Magnolia
A rare Florida Panhandle native that creates a stunning and unique show in shady gardens. Small trees grow in a loose, open habit, producing gigantic tropical-looking leaves, and large fragrant white flowers in late spring. These trees grow best in filtered light or shade, where their texture and height bring much needed interest.
Native Plum
We are blessed with many Native Plum species in the southeast. The fun, fuzzy, bright white blooms lighten up the shade of roadsides and forest paths alike. Most form small trees from 12’-20’ tall and wide with small berries for the birds. Look for Flatwoods & Chickasaw, though more types are occasionally available.
Windmill Palm
A perfectly manageable, small-growing palm tree that fits into containers and tight spaces. The cold-hardy plants form a single trunk that slowly rises 8’-12’ tall with a 6’ wide head.
Weeping Yaupon
A most unusual living sculpture. The branches grow out and then straight down toward the ground, eventually forming a layered fountain of lush growth. The fine-textured leaves are joined by bright red berries for fall and winter, a favorite of migratory birds.
Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Another maple that offers as much interest in the winter as it does in the spring and fall. After the golden yellow leaves drop in the fall, the branches and stems turn bright red! This upright variety is one of the few Japanese Maples that can tolerate full sun in our hot climate. A showy small tree to plant near the house.
Pindo Palm
This lovely cold-hardy palm tree has long, gracefully arching fronds that add a touch of tropical elegance to your landscape. The super-strong trees grow slowly, forming a single trunk 8’-12’ tall. The silvery-gray leaves reach up 6’-8’ in every direction from the trunk. Some trees will produce edible orange fruits in the summer time if they are really happy!
Weeping Red Japanese Maple
If you’ve been to Tallahassee Nurseries, you’ve no doubt marveled at the huge Crimson Queen Maple we have on the grounds. Weeping Japanese Maples are slow-growing but eventually reach full size of 10’+ tall and wide. Their delicate leaves and arching branches offer interest all year. Crimson Queen and Tamukeyama are the most common forms but we stock other types when available.
Glowing Embers
Glowing Embers Japanese Maple- One of the most consistent producers of intense fall color for our region. Trees virtually light on fire each fall, shifting from green leaves to flaming red ones for a few weeks before winter sets in each year. The small, rounded deciduous trees grow 15’-20’ tall & wide and tolerate full sun.
