5 climate-resilient trees from RHS Chelsea 2026

Plant for the future with these designer-chosen trees for climate change, inspired by the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

It’s becoming increasingly impractical to choose a tree simply because we like it – or even because it suits the current conditions in our garden.

A tree is a long-term investment, so as gardeners we need to think ahead and choose trees that will continue to thrive in a changing climate.

A range of resilient choices were on display at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. Here are five drought-tolerant trees that will bring structure, shade and beauty to your garden while continuing to thrive in warmer, drier summers.

1. Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’ – crape myrtle

The Tate Britain Garden is a garden designed around foliage power. Punctated by eyecatching cycads, soft foliage flows through a structural framework of beautiful multi-stemmed trees. These trees are Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’. Their standout feature is their stunning two-toned bark, which as it peels, clothes the smooth trunks in a mesmerising camouflage-like pattern.

Position: full sun
Soil: well-drained
Height & spread: 4-8m
Flowering period: July–October depending on summer heat
Hardiness: half-hardy (-5 to 1C)

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2. Elaeagnus multiflora – cherry silverberry

Found on The Eden Project: Bring Me Sunshine Garden, this little semi-evergreen tree is a real winner in challenging coastal conditions. The rounded canopy of small greyish green leaves is peppered with small but very fragrant creamy-white flowers in spring, and hung with red berries in summer. These are edible – in fact, the tree is cultivated for fruit in its native Japan – and are a favourite with birds. Like all Elaeagnus, cherry silverberry is an RHS Plant for Pollinators, so it’s a great wildlife all-rounder.

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: moist but well-drained
Height & spread: 2–3m
Flowering period: April–May
Hardiness: fully hardy

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3. Acer monspessulanum – Montpellier maple

A more climate-proof alternative to the UK native field maple Acer campestre, the Montpellier maple can be distinguished by its leaves having just three lobes rather than five. It’s used on both The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden: ‘On the Edge’ and The Project Giving Back Garden.

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: well-drained or moist but well-drained
Height & spread: 8m x 6m
Flowering period: April–May
Hardiness: fully hardy

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4. Feijoa sellowiana – pineapple guava

Technically, Feijoa sellowiana – or Acca sellowiana, as it used to be known – is a shrub rather than a tree. But its versatility in providing evergreen structure and being ideal for hedging, as well as its unique crimson flowers and a potential bonus of a small crop of tasty fruits once mature, makes it worthy of a mention.

Position: full sun
Soil: well-drained
Height & spread: 1.5–2.5m
Flowering period: June–July
Hardiness: half-hardy (-5 to 1C)

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5. Pinus sylvestris – Scots pine

If you have space, a Scots pine makes a magnificent focal point in a large garden, and despite being a British native, it’s remarkably climate-proof. Two large, sculptural specimens are used to great effect in framing The Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden. Several are also used on The Project Giving Back Garden.

Discover the story behind how these pines came to be such magnificent shapes in 8 star plants of RHS Chelsea 2026.