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Four deciduous trees and shrubs to grow

By Bunnings magazine / Autumn 2025

A large yellow coloured ginkgo deciduous tree is one of the trees and shrubs to consider
Your guide to four deciduous trees and shrubs to discover this autumn.

Deciduous garden trees and shrubs (that shed their leaves once a year, usually during the season of autumn) put on a spectacular autumn display, while leaving behind plenty of crunchy leaves for the kids to stomp in. We take a look at four that will add plenty of colour to your autumn garden.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Deciduous tree the Japanese maple showing off its deep red leaves in the trees and shrubs plant category

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

Renowned for its stunning foliage, there is a maple to suit every shape and size requirement. Autumn leaf shades range from rich burgundy to fiery crimson, orange and gold. A popular shrub or small tree, it has a compact root system and can reach a height of up to about 6-10m. Grow in well-draining soil in a partly shaded spot that’s protected from strong wind.

A branch showcasing yellow leaves of a ginkgo deciduous tree in the trees and shrubs plant category 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

This deciduous garden tree delivers one of the most dramatic cool-season transformations as its light green leaves turn buttery, golden yellow. Slow growing, it forms an attractive pyramid shape and can grow to more than 20m tall and 10m wide, making it best suited to large gardens. For smaller spaces, look for dwarf forms. Plant in a sunny spot in rich, fertile soil.

Deciduous shrub the smoke bush in purple in trees and shrubs plant category 

Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria)

While best known for its misty plumes of flower clusters in spring and summer, the autumn foliage on this large garden shrub is equally impressive. It likes full sun and will grow in most areas, from cold to subtropical. Shape it into a small feature tree or clip into an informal hedge or privacy screen. Compact varieties can be grown in pots.

Orange coloured deciduous tree, forest pansy is a feature in the trees and shrubs plant category 

Forest pansy (Cercis canadensis)

A small to medium tree that has large purple heart-shaped leaves which turn to shades of green in summer, then red, gold and yellow in autumn. In spring, the bare branches are adorned with small pink flowers. This tree is ideal for small gardens or courtyards, in full sun to part shade and sheltered from strong winds. Use it as a feature tree or as part of a grouping.

Keep in mind...

Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets, and check their suitability for your region, as some may be classified as weeds in certain states and territories.

Now that you’ve discovered deciduous trees and shrubs…

Get your autumn garden in order with our planning guide.



Photo credit: Adobe Stock, Alamy Stock, Getty Images.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.