6 virtually indestructible trees: the hardiest for a trouble-free garden

Staghorn sumac or Rhus typhina

The staghorn sumac or Rhus typhina is a suckering shrub or small tree native to eastern North America and introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 17th century. Its hardiness allows it to live for between 50 and 100 years. It produces yellow-green panicles of flowers from June onwards and throughout the summer. This shrub bears male and female flowers on separate plants, with the female flowers producing red, villous fruits that form evergreen clusters lasting into winter, even after the deciduous leaves have fallen.

Its foliage, borne on red, downy stems, draws attention with its green colour, which turns orange-red in autumn. The leaves, which can measure between 20 and 60 cm, are made up of 11 to 31 oblong, toothed and deeply divided leaflets, adding to the shrub’s ornamental appeal.

Growing up to 8 metres tall when fully mature, Rhus typhina is adaptable and can be planted as a solitary specimen, in a group, as an informal hedge or even in a pot. It thrives in a variety of environments, such as dry, rocky slopes, meadows, scrub and forest edges, where it helps to prevent soil erosion. Valued for its nectar-rich qualities, it attracts pollinating insects and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity. As it suckers, it can become very invasive.

It is important to note that the sap of Rhus typhina can be toxic, causing severe skin reactions in some people.

Acer pseudoplatanus or sycamore

Acer pseudoplatanus, or sycamore maple, is a species of maple frequently found in France, valued for its dark green palmate foliage, which turns golden yellow in autumn. This large tree, with its rounded, dense habit, is equally at home as a specimen, in avenues or as a windbreak, thanks to its fast growth and hardiness. Not demanding when it comes to soil, it needs plenty of space to develop.

Robinia pseudoacacia, or black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia, or black locust, is a small tree with a broad habit and delicate foliage, providing light shade beneath which shrubs and perennials can flourish. It produces spectacular flowering from May to July, with pendulous clusters of white flowers, 10 to 20 cm long, with a delicate orange-blossom fragrance. As well as being edible and delicious when made into fritters, the flowers attract bees, encouraging the production of exquisite honey. Its fast growth and ease of cultivation make it a popular choice for gardens of all sizes, although it requires a position sheltered from strong winds because of its brittle wood.

Native to the eastern United States and a member of the Fabaceae family, black locust naturally enriches the soil through its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen at root level. This characteristic, combined with its resistance to cold and drought, makes it a valuable ally in the regeneration of degraded soils. Initially columnar in habit, it becomes more rounded with age. This tree can reach a height of 15 metres and a spread of 8 metres. Its deeply fissured bark and strong but brittle branches, bearing thorns when young, add to its visual appeal.

The foliage, changing from bright green to golden yellow in autumn, and the white, fragrant inflorescences make black locust a remarkable natural spectacle. The pods that follow flowering, although toxic, are also decorative. This suckering tree requires careful management to prevent it from becoming invasive.

Adaptable, black locust blends harmoniously into a variety of landscape displays, whether grown as a specimen, in an informal hedge or as an avenue tree.

Iron tree or Parrotia persica

Ironwood or Parrotia persica, also known as Persian parrotia or Persian beech, is a garden jewel renowned for its incredible palette of autumn colours. In autumn, its foliage transforms into a dazzling display of green, yellow, orange, crimson and purple, making it an essential specimen for lovers of vibrant colours. Its green, undulate summer foliage is reminiscent of beech. In spring, it surprises with clusters of red stamens emerging directly from the branches, even before the leaves appear. Winter reveals exfoliating bark in subtle shades of grey, reddish brown and verdigris, adding aesthetic interest throughout the year.

Native to northern Iran and the eastern Caucasus, Parrotia persica is a small tree with slow growth, generally reaching no more than 8 metres in height and 10 metres in width. Its spreading habit and horizontal branches give it a majestic silhouette, often wider than tall. The branches of older specimens may droop down to the ground.

Adaptable to any type of soil, including chalky, dry or moist soil, provided it is well drained, Parrotia persica prefers slightly acidic soils and sunny positions to maximise the intensity of its autumn colours. It is ideal as a solitary specimen or for shading a bed, and can be paired with other shrubs and trees to create striking displays from September to November.

Introduced to Europe in 1841, ironwood owes its nickname to the exceptional hardness of its wood, historically used to make tools. Its drought resistance and hardiness make it a versatile choice for many gardens.

Common ash or Fraxinus excelsior

The common ash or Fraxinus excelsior is an iconic feature of French woodland landscapes, valued for its imposing stature and delicate foliage. Its velvety black flower buds and dark green, lanceolate leaves, turning yellow in autumn, make it a remarkable natural spectacle. Fast-growing, the ash develops a distinguished habit over the years, characterised by a robust, upright trunk topped with a light, elongated crown that provides welcome shade during the summer months.

Belonging to the Oleaceae family, which also includes olive trees and lilacs, common ash is native to Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. It thrives along the banks and shores of watercourses and in woodlands, where its upright habit and rounded to elongated crown attract attention. At maturity, its crown opens out to reveal an airy structure and grey bark, deeply fissured and scaly, adding to its natural appeal.

Ash generally reaches a height of 30 to 40 metres with a spread of 20 metres, with foliage formed of 9 to 13 narrow, lanceolate leaflets. Spring flowering, in the form of creamy-yellow panicles, precedes the emergence of the foliage and is followed by the formation of characteristic samaras.

Hardy and undemanding, common ash adapts to a range of conditions, preferring fertile, deep and moist soils for optimum growth. It responds well to pruning and can self-seed readily when conditions are favourable. Its graceful, free-growing habit makes it an excellent ornamental choice for large gardens, where it creates a pleasant shady area and contributes to local biodiversity.

Leyland cypress or Cupressocyparis leylandii

Cupressocyparis leylandii, commonly known as Leyland cypress, is a large, majestic, undemanding conifer that is hardy and fast-growing, reaching up to 9 m in 10 years. As a result, it is often used for evergreen hedges. Suited to most climates, including coastal conditions, it nevertheless requires particular attention in very rocky soils or the very dry Mediterranean climate.

Leyland cypress tolerates poor, chalky or clay soils well, as well as pollution and saline conditions such as salt spray. With annual growth of 80 cm to 1 m, it can reach 20 m in height if it is not pruned regularly. Its pyramidal, dense habit, deep green foliage and taproot system make it resistant to wind and challenging conditions.

Ideal for a large freestanding hedge, Leyland cypress provides a protective screen and an effective privacy barrier, while requiring little care if left to grow naturally. Grown as a specimen, it becomes a magnificent feature, fitting harmoniously into a variety of garden styles. However, be aware that its pollen can potentially cause allergies in early spring.