Multistem trees have become a signature feature in contemporary garden design — and it’s easy to see why. From the snowy bark of Himalayan birch to the coppery sheen of Tibetan cherry and the timeless elegance of Mediterranean olive trees, multistems offer drama, structure, and sculptural form all year round.
Why Go Multistem?
Rather than growing from a single trunk, multistem trees are cultivated to branch out low to the ground, creating an airy, architectural shape. This makes them perfect for modern gardens, where structure and flow are just as important as colour and planting.
Garden designers love how these trees create light and movement. The space between the trunks draws the eye through the garden, allowing clever layering of plants and a more immersive, three-dimensional design.
Himalayan Birch and Tibetan Cherry — Designer Favourites
Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) has long been admired for its pure white bark and elegant form. Designers often use it to lift dark corners or add interest in winter.
Increasingly, though, we’re seeing the rise of Prunus serrula — or Tibetan cherry. Its polished, mahogany-like bark brings incredible richness and shine, especially in winter when the low sun lights it up like copper. In spring, delicate blossom adds another layer of beauty.
Enter: The Multistem Olive Tree
While birch and cherry trees have held the spotlight for years, multistem olive trees are fast becoming the designer’s choice for a more Mediterranean, evergreen statement.
Grown in Italy and shaped by expert hands, each olive tree is a living sculpture — with twisting trunks, soft silver leaves, and an effortless, timeless charm. Their open canopy brings light into courtyards and patios, while their evergreen foliage provides year-round structure.
Sculptural Style with Specialist Insight
At The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we hand-select multistem olive trees from trusted Italian growers. Each one is unique — full of character, form, and potential. Whether you’re a designer looking for a dramatic centrepiece or a homeowner seeking year-round beauty, a multistem olive tree offers elegance that endures.
Multistem trees — from birch and cherry to olive — are the secret weapon of great garden design. Understated yet striking, they’re living sculptures that bring texture, movement, and seasonal interest to every outdoor space.
