Top 10 Ornamental Trees in Kenya (With Names & Pictures)
- BeyondForest
- Oct 24
- 7 min read
Image of an Italian Cypress Tree by Carnations Landscape
4.)Evergreen Ornamental Trees in Kenya
6.)Where to Buy Ornamental Trees in Kenya
What Are Ornamental Trees
Image of Royal Poinciana aka flamboyant Tree
Ornamental trees are plant species grown primarily for their aesthetic appeal rather than for fruit, timber, or shade alone. They enhance the beauty of a space through their unique features such as colorful flowers, attractive foliage, striking shapes, textured bark, or seasonal beauty.
Image of a Traveler Palm Tree by Carnations Landscape
palms are considered trees, but with a difference palms belong to the family Arecaceae and are not true woody trees like oaks or jacarandas.
These trees are commonly used in landscaping to improve the visual appeal of homes, gardens, parks, commercial spaces, and public compounds.
Image of Cassia Spectabilis
Beyond beautification, ornamental trees can also provide shade, attract birds and pollinators, improve air quality, and boost property value. Their ability to transform ordinary spaces into vibrant, relaxing, and welcoming environments makes them a popular choice in modern landscaping.
Delonix regia aka Flamboyant
Image of Delonix Regia
Delonix regia, commonly known as the Flame Tree or the Royal poinciana , is one of the most stunning ornamental trees due to its vibrant red-orange blossoms that create a fiery canopy when in bloom. It grows fast, provides excellent shade, and is ideal for enhancing landscapes in homes, schools, parks, and urban areas.
Image of Royal poinciana/flamboyant seedlings for sale at 500Ksh
Cassia spectabilis is a beautiful ornamental tree admired for its bright yellow, cascading flowers that create a striking display during blooming season. It grows quickly, thrives in warm climates, and is ideal for enhancing gardens, driveways, schools, and public landscapes with vibrant color and elegance.
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Royal Palm (Roystonea regia)
The Royal Palm is a majestic ornamental tree loved for its tall, smooth trunk and elegant, feather-like fronds that create a luxurious tropical look. Commonly used in high-end homes, hotels, and driveway landscapes, it adds height, beauty, and prestige to any space while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
The Italian Cypress is a tall, narrow, evergreen ornamental tree known for its elegant columnar shape. It is perfect for lining pathways, driveways, and entrances, creating a formal, Mediterranean-style landscape. Its dense foliage, low maintenance needs, and space-saving growth make it ideal for both small and large gardens.
Jacaranda mimosifolia
The Jacaranda tree is a stunning ornamental known for its breathtaking purple-blue flowers that create a colourful carpet when they fall. It grows quickly, provides light shade, and is ideal for beautifying homes, avenues, schools, and parks.
Nandi Flame / African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata
The African Tulip Tree, commonly known as the Nandi Flame, is a fast-growing ornamental valued for its large, bright orange-red tulip-shaped flowers. It creates a striking tropical display and provides excellent shade, making it ideal for compounds, schools, parks, and roadside landscaping.
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Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip)
Markhamia lutea, also known as the Nile Tulip, is a fast-growing ornamental tree admired for its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in clusters. It is suitable for both small and large compounds, offering beauty and light shade.
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Araucaria heterophylla
Araucaria heterophylla is a popular ornamental tree admired for its symmetrical, pyramid-like shape and soft, needle-like foliage. Its elegant, Christmas-tree appearance makes it ideal for homes, gardens, and landscaped compounds. It grows well in pots or on the ground and adds a refined, evergreen touch to any space year-round.
Polyalthia longifolia (Indian Ashoka)
The Ashoka tree is a tall, slender ornamental tree known for its graceful, column-like shape and dense, evergreen foliage. It is ideal for lining driveways, boundaries, and entrances, providing beauty and privacy without taking up much space. Its low maintenance and neat appearance make it perfect for urban landscaping.
Want To Learn More About Ashoka and False Ashoka Click Here>>>>
Bottle brush /Callistemon spp
The Bottlebrush tree is a striking ornamental known for its bright, brush-like red flowers that resemble a bottle cleaner. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, adding life and colour to gardens. Compact and easy to maintain, it is ideal for small compounds, pathways, and decorative landscaping
Image of a Bottle Brush by Italiani In Australia
Schefflera / Umbrella Tree
Image of Schefflera by Florgarden
The Schefflera, also known as the Umbrella Tree, is a popular ornamental plant valued for its glossy, umbrella-shaped leaves that add a tropical feel to any space. It can be grown as a small tree or large shrub, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and garden corners. It thrives both in pots and in the ground
Fast-Growing Ornamental Trees in Kenya
Image of Cassia Spectabilis Flowers
In Kenya’s climate, several species grow rapidly while offering attractive flowers, foliage, and shade. The Flame Tree (Delonix regia) is a favourite for its fast growth and vibrant red-orange blooms that stand out in any compound.
Markhamia lutea is another excellent choice, maturing quickly and producing beautiful yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.Additionally, Cassia spectabilis provides quick colour with its bright yellow flowers.
Evergreen Ornamental Trees in Kenya
Evergreen ornamental trees retain their foliage all year round, ensuring your compound remains green, attractive, and vibrant through every season. They are perfect for creating consistent beauty, privacy screens, and elegant landscaping backgrounds. In Kenya, the Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is a popular evergreen choice, admired for its tall, slender shape that adds a formal and luxurious touch to entrances and driveways.
The Ashoka Tree (Polyalthia longifolia) is another excellent evergreen option, ideal for boundary planting due to its neat, columnar growth. For a decorative and premium evergreen look, Araucaria heterophylla offers a symmetrical, Christmas-tree appearance that enhances both homes and gardens.
How to Choose the Right Ornamental Tree for Your Space
Choosing the right ornamental tree starts with understanding your space, climate, and landscaping goals. For small compounds or urban homes, go for compact or slow-growing options like the Ashoka tree (Polyalthia longifolia), Schefflera, or Bottlebrush, which stay neat and manageable.
Image of a False Ashoka Tree
Larger spaces, such as estates, schools, and spacious compounds, can accommodate wider or taller trees like the Flame Tree (Delonix regia), Royal Palm, or Jacaranda, which make bold visual statements and provide shade. If you prefer year-round greenery, choose evergreens such as Italian Cypress or Araucaria. For colour and seasonal beauty, flowering trees like Cassia spectabilis or Frangipani work well.
Where to Buy Ornamental Trees in Kenya
Image of Italian Cypress Seedling for sale
You can buy ornamental trees in Kenya from reputable nurseries, garden centres, and specialized landscaping suppliers. Nairobi has some of the most established nurseries, with many located along the Northern Bypass, offering a wide variety of seedlings including palms, flowering trees, evergreens, and exotic species.
FAQs about Ornamental Trees in Kenya
What are the best ornamental trees to plant in Kenya?
Some of the best ornamental trees to plant in Kenya include Jacaranda, Royal Palm, Flame Tree (Delonix regia), Ashoka, Araucaria, Cassia spectabilis, Bottlebrush, and Markhamia lutea. These trees add beauty, colour, and structure to landscapes and perform well in most Kenyan climates.
Which ornamental trees grow fastest in Kenya?
Fast-growing ornamental trees in Kenya include the Flame Tree, Markhamia lutea, Ashoka, and Cassia spectabilis. These species mature quickly, making them ideal for new homes, schools, estates, and landscaping projects that need beauty and shade within a short period.
Ashoka Trees grow very fast with climate for instance coastal areas favor fast growth for Ashoka Tree
How much do ornamental tree seedlings cost in Kenya?
Prices range from 300Ksh to 3,500Ksh depending on the species, size, and nursery. Common species like Bottlebrush and Markhamia lutea cost around 300Ksh –600Ksh, while Royal Palms and Araucaria can cost more due to their premium appeal and slow growth rate.
Image of a Bismark Palm by Carnations Landscape
Where can I buy ornamental trees in Nairobi?
Most ornamental tree nurseries in Nairobi are located along the Northern Bypass, as well as areas like Karen, Kiambu Road, Thika Road, and Ridgeways. Many nurseries offer delivery, landscaping support, and bulk discounts for estates, schools, and real estate developers.
Which ornamental trees are suitable for small compounds?
For small spaces, choose compact or narrow-growth trees like Ashoka, Italian Cypress, Bottlebrush, Schefflera, and Frangipani. These trees provide beauty without spreading widely or causing root damage, making them ideal for urban homes and small gardens.
Which ornamental trees provide shade in Kenya?
Excellent shade-giving ornamental trees include the Flame Tree, Jacaranda, African Tulip (Nandi Flame), and Royal Poinciana. These species grow wide canopies that offer cool shade, making them suitable for compounds, schools, playgrounds, and parks.
Are palm trees considered ornamental trees?
Yes. Although palms are botanically monocot plants, they are widely considered and used as ornamental trees in landscaping.
Image of a Seaforthia palm
How long do ornamental trees take to mature?
Growth rates vary by species. Fast-growing ornamental trees like Flame Tree, Markhamia lutea, and Ashoka begin to show significant beauty within 2–3 years. Slower growers like Araucaria and Royal Palm may take 5–8 years to reach full landscape impact.
Which ornamental trees grow well in pots or containers?
Great potted ornamental options include Araucaria, Schefflera, Bottlebrush, Frangipani, Bougainvillea (tree-trained), and certain dwarf palm varieties.
What is the difference between evergreen and flowering ornamental trees?
Evergreen ornamental trees keep their leaves throughout the year, providing constant greenery and structure. Flowering ornamental trees bloom seasonally, adding bursts of colour at certain times.
Which ornamental trees are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant?
Ashoka, Markhamia lutea, Bottlebrush, and Cassia spectabilis are low-maintenance and handle dry periods well.
Can I plant ornamental trees near a house or building?
Yes, but choose species with non-invasive roots and controlled height. Ashoka, Italian Cypress, Schefflera, and Bottlebrush are safe near buildings. Avoid planting large spreading trees like Jacaranda or Flame Tree too close to structures due to roots and canopy size.
Do ornamental trees attract birds or insects?
Yes. Many ornamental trees attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds due to their flowers or nectar. Bottlebrush and Nandi Flame are especially popular with sunbirds
How do I care for ornamental trees after planting?
Water regularly during the first year, mulch around the base to retain moisture, and apply compost or organic fertilizer twice a year.
Which ornamental trees are suitable for schools, parks, and public spaces?
Shade-giving, colourful, and hardy species are ideal for public spaces. Top choices include Jacaranda, Flame Tree, African Tulip, Royal Poinciana, Royal Palm, and Markhamia lutea.
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