Trees - Stunning & Unique Varieties
Discover Unique Trees for Bay Area Gardens
Looking to add something special to your landscape? From sculptural additions to long bloomers and fragrant standouts, each tree in our curated collection brings its own charm and character—perfectly suited for Bay Area gardens.
Selection may vary by location and season. Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore availability and speak with our experts!
Zig Zag® Redbud
A Tree Like No Other
Add a dramatic twist to your landscape with the extraordinary Zig Zag® Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Seirb'), grown by Monrovia®. This standout ornamental tree features strikingly angular branches that zig and zag in every direction, giving it a sculptural quality even in winter. In early spring, clusters of deep fuchsia blooms emerge directly from the bare branches and bark—creating a showstopping contrast before the bright green, heart-shaped leaves appear. Come fall, the foliage shifts to vibrant orange, offering year-round beauty.
Highlights
- Shape & Size: Reaches up to 20 ft. tall and 25–28 ft. wide
- Light Needs: Full sun to partial sun
- Watering: Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Special Feature: Zig-zag branching and vibrant fall color
- Best Use: Accent tree, shade tree, or architectural focal point
Care Tips
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots
- Reduce watering once established
- Fertilize in early spring with a general-purpose formula
- Prune after blooming to refine shape
- Provide afternoon shade in hotter inland areas
Now available at SummerWinds Nursery
Champaca (Michelia champaca)
A Fragrant Treasure
Add elegance and intoxicating fragrance to your landscape with the stunning Champaca. This tropical evergreen tree produces creamy yellow to orange blossoms with a rich, sweet scent—used in some of the world's finest perfumes. Its glossy, dark green leaves and upright growth habit make it a standout in warm Bay Area gardens.
- Shape & Size: 25–30 ft. tall and 10–15 ft. wide
- Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
- Special Feature: Intensely fragrant flowers and tropical appeal
- Best Use: Specimen tree, near patios or windows, tropical-style gardens
Care Tips:
- Protect from frost in colder microclimates
- Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
- Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer
- Plant in rich, well-draining soil
Companion Plants: Gardenia, Camellia, Japanese Maple, Hydrangea, Ferns
Chinese Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus)
Soft Beauty with Lasting Impact
This graceful, small deciduous tree adds gentle elegance to gardens with clouds of fragrant, lacy white flowers in late spring. Glossy green leaves turn golden yellow in fall, offering multiple seasons of interest in a compact form.
- Shape & Size: 15–25 ft. tall and wide
- Light Needs: Full sun to light shade
- Watering: Moderate; more in summer for best bloom
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Special Feature: Fragrant fringed blooms and golden fall color
- Best Use: Accent tree, courtyard tree, or near patios
Care Tips:
- Water deeply and regularly in the first few years
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape
- Tolerates urban conditions and clay soil with good drainage
Companion Plants: Salvia, Lavender, Coreopsis, Japanese Forest Grass, Coral Bells
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Color That Keeps on Giving
Bursting with color all summer long, Crape Myrtles offer a reliable show of blooms in vibrant shades like white, pink, lavender, or red—depending on variety. Their peeling bark and colorful fall foliage add year-round interest.
- Shape & Size: 10–20 ft. tall and 8–15 ft. wide (varies by cultivar)
- Light Needs: Full sun
- Watering: Low to moderate once established
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Special Feature: Long bloom time and textured bark
- Best Use: Street tree, small yard focal point, colorful border
Care Tips:
- Prune in winter to encourage shape and bloom
- Thrives in heat and drought conditions
- Use mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Companion Plants: Russian Sage, Daylily, Dwarf Fountain Grass, Sedum, Echinacea
