Larger Growing Plants

alloxylum Flammeum - QLD tree Warratah

Alloxylon flammeum - Queensland Tree Waratah Description: Alloxylon flammeum, commonly known as the Queensland Tree Waratah, is a magnificent, medium-sized tree renowned for its vibrant, fiery-red flowers. This Australian native is highly prized for its striking ornamental appeal and its ability to attract birds and pollinators, making it a stunning addition to any garden or landscape. Flowers: The flowers of Alloxylon flammeum are the main attraction. They are large, bright red, and arranged in dense, rounded clusters at the ends of the branches. Blooming from late winter to early summer, these spectacular flowers are a magnet for birds, particularly nectar-feeding species. The striking red blooms provide a dramatic splash of color in the garden. Foliage: The foliage of the Queensland Tree Waratah consists of large, glossy, dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and have a leathery texture. The leaves provide a lush, green backdrop that enhances the vivid display of flowers and adds to the tree's ornamental appeal. Form and Size: Alloxylon flammeum has an upright, spreading growth habit, typically reaching up to 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) in height and 5-10 meters (16-33 feet) in spread. Its tall, elegant form and dense canopy make it an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or as a focal point in larger gardens. Growing Conditions: Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright light but can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates. Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Water: Moderate water requirements. Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought. Temperature: Thrives in warm, temperate to subtropical climates. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Protect from frost and cold temperatures. Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Suitable for typical garden conditions without the need for additional humidity. Uses: Alloxylon flammeum is primarily grown for its ornamental value. It makes a stunning focal point in garden beds, large containers, and as a specimen tree. The tree's vibrant flowers and lush foliage create a tropical feel, making it ideal for themed gardens and landscapes. It is also an excellent choice for attracting birds and pollinators to the garden. Maintenance: This plant requires moderate maintenance. Regular watering and fertilization during the growing season will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Notes: Alloxylon flammeum is non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects, which can be treated with appropriate insecticides. Companion Plants: Alloxylon flammeum pairs well with other tropical and subtropical plants that have similar growing requirements, such as: Grevillea species Callistemon species (Bottlebrush) Banksia species Acacia species Common Name: Queensland Tree Waratah Botanical Name: Alloxylon flammeum Family: Proteaceae Origin: Native to Queensland, Australia

Buckinghamia celssima

Description:Buckinghamia celsissima, commonly known as Ivory Curl Tree, is a stunning evergreen tree native to Australia, prized for its lush foliage and striking creamy-white flower clusters. This versatile tree can be grown as a large shrub or medium-sized tree, depending on pruning. It is perfect for use as a feature plant, shade tree, or screening plant, and its attractive flowers make it a favorite for wildlife gardens. Buckinghamia celsissima is highly adaptable to a range of growing conditions and is widely planted in both residential and public landscapes. Flowers:The Ivory Curl Tree produces beautiful, creamy-white, bottlebrush-like flowers that appear in dense, curled clusters at the ends of branches. These fragrant flowers bloom from late summer to autumn and are highly attractive to pollinators, including birds and bees. The flower clusters can reach up to 20 cm in length, creating a striking display. Foliage:The dark green, glossy leaves are deeply lobed and leathery, giving the tree a lush, tropical appearance. The new growth often has a bronze tint, adding seasonal interest. The dense foliage provides excellent shade and screening, making it a useful plant for creating privacy. Fruit:After flowering, small, woody seed capsules may develop, but they are not a prominent feature of the plant. Form and Size:Buckinghamia celsissima typically grows to a height of 8–10 meters but can be pruned to maintain a smaller, more shrub-like form. In its natural form, it develops a rounded, upright canopy, making it a great choice for providing shade. The tree has a naturally dense and bushy habit, which also makes it effective for use as a screen or hedge. Growing Conditions:Thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. Buckinghamia celsissima is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. It can tolerate light frost but performs best in warm, subtropical climates. Regular mulching around the base of the tree will help retain moisture and promote healthy growth. Uses:The Ivory Curl Tree is ideal as a feature plant, shade tree, or screening plant in both formal and informal garden designs. Its fragrant flowers and dense foliage make it perfect for wildlife gardens, providing both nectar for pollinators and shelter for birds. It can also be used as a privacy screen or grown in large containers. Maintenance:Low-maintenance and relatively fast-growing, Buckinghamia celsissima benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Mulch and water regularly, especially when young, to establish strong root growth. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer in spring will support healthy foliage and flowering. Notes:The Ivory Curl Tree is highly valued for its ornamental flowers and lush foliage, making it a popular choice in many Australian gardens. It is generally pest and disease-resistant, making it a reliable, low-maintenance option for a range of garden settings. Companion Plants:Pairs well with other Australian natives such as Grevillea, Callistemon, and Melaleuca. It also works beautifully alongside other tropical or subtropical plants like Cordyline and Alpinia for a lush, vibrant garden. Common Name: Ivory Curl TreeBotanical Name: Buckinghamia celsissimaFamily: ProteaceaeOrigin: Australia

Delonix Regia "Poinsiana"

Description:Delonix regia, commonly known as Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree renowned for its vibrant display of fiery red to orange flowers in spring and summer. This tropical tree, native to Madagascar, boasts a broad, umbrella-like canopy, providing ample shade and making it a popular feature in warm climates. Its graceful, spreading form and brilliant floral display make it one of the most spectacular flowering trees for tropical and subtropical gardens. Flowers:The showy, vivid red-orange flowers are produced in large clusters, covering the tree in a spectacular display during late spring to summer. Each flower consists of five petals, with one often marked with a contrasting yellow or white blotch. The blooms attract pollinators, including birds and bees, and are followed by long, brown seed pods. Foliage:The leaves of Delonix regia are large, feathery, and bipinnate, giving the tree a soft, fern-like appearance. Each leaf is composed of numerous small leaflets, which provide a light, filtered shade underneath. In cooler climates, the tree sheds its leaves in winter, while in tropical climates, it may remain semi-evergreen. Fruit:After the flowering season, long, flat seed pods form, reaching up to 60 cm in length. These pods are dark brown when mature and can add an interesting textural element to the tree. The pods persist on the tree for some time before falling. Form and Size:Delonix regia grows into a wide, spreading tree with an umbrella-shaped canopy, typically reaching heights of 10-12 meters and spreading up to 15 meters wide. Its expansive canopy makes it an excellent shade tree, though it requires sufficient space to grow. The trunk is smooth and greyish, becoming more textured with age. Growing Conditions:Thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, but it prefers fertile, loamy soils for optimal growth. Delonix regia is drought-tolerant once established and can withstand periods of dry weather. However, it performs best with regular watering during the growing season. It is frost-sensitive and should be protected in cooler climates. Uses:Royal Poinciana is often used as a specimen tree in large gardens or public spaces due to its dramatic floral display and wide canopy. Its shade-giving properties make it ideal for parks, avenues, or large courtyards. It is also a popular choice in tropical and subtropical coastal gardens. Maintenance:Minimal maintenance is required once established. Prune to shape the tree in its early years to develop a strong framework, and remove any dead or damaged branches as needed. Fertilizing in spring with a balanced fertilizer will encourage healthy growth and flowering. The tree may shed flowers and pods, so placement away from paved areas is advisable to avoid debris. Notes:The vibrant floral display of Delonix regia makes it one of the most beloved ornamental trees in tropical regions. It can create a stunning visual impact in large landscapes, but it requires ample space to fully appreciate its spread. Its roots can be invasive, so avoid planting near structures or walkways. Companion Plants:Pairs beautifully with other tropical plants such as Plumeria, Bougainvillea, and Cordyline. Its bright red-orange flowers also contrast well with palms, cycads, and other lush green foliage plants like Philodendron or Heliconia. Common Name: Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant TreeBotanical Name: Delonix regiaFamily: FabaceaeOrigin: Madagascar

Elaeocarpus eumundii

Description:Elaeocarpus eumundii, commonly known as Eumundi Quandong, is an attractive Australian native evergreen tree, prized for its dense, glossy foliage and its neat, pyramidal form. This versatile tree can be grown as a small to medium-sized feature tree, screen, or hedge in gardens, streetscapes, and parks. It is well-suited to subtropical and tropical climates and adds a lush, green presence to the landscape. Elaeocarpus eumundii is appreciated for its low maintenance and ornamental value. Flowers:In spring and early summer, Elaeocarpus eumundii produces small, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers in clusters. While not particularly showy, these flowers add subtle charm and attract pollinators, such as bees. Foliage:The standout feature of Elaeocarpus eumundii is its dense, glossy, dark green foliage. The leaves are leathery and oval-shaped, with new growth often emerging in a bronze or reddish hue, providing seasonal color variation. The dense canopy and lush foliage create excellent shade and make this tree ideal for screening or as a background plant. Fruit:After flowering, small, blue-black berries appear. These fruits are not typically a major ornamental feature but can attract birds that enjoy feeding on them. Form and Size:Elaeocarpus eumundii typically grows to around 8–12 meters in height with a spread of 3–5 meters, forming a neat, pyramidal shape. It has a naturally upright, compact form, making it a great option for formal hedges, screens, or as a feature tree in medium to large gardens. Growing Conditions:Thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Elaeocarpus eumundii is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and performs best with regular watering, especially in drier periods. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle light frost in milder climates. Uses:This versatile tree is ideal for use as a screen, hedge, or feature plant. Its dense foliage and compact growth habit make it an excellent choice for creating privacy, while its neat form adds structure to garden designs. Elaeocarpus eumundii is also well-suited for streetscapes and parks, where its low-maintenance nature and attractive foliage can be appreciated. Maintenance:Low-maintenance and easy to care for, this tree benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth, particularly if used for hedging or screening. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and maintain its lush appearance. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and keep roots cool. Notes:Elaeocarpus eumundii is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a popular choice for a range of landscapes. Its neat, dense foliage and ornamental value make it a great option for both formal and informal garden settings. Companion Plants:Pairs well with other Australian natives like Grevillea, Callistemon, and Syzygium. Its dense foliage also contrasts nicely with ornamental grasses like Lomandra and flowering shrubs like Westringia. Common Name: Eumundi QuandongBotanical Name: Elaeocarpus eumundiiFamily: ElaeocarpaceaeOrigin: Australia

Jacaranda Mimosafolia - Purple flowers

Description:Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as Jacaranda, is a striking deciduous tree known for its spectacular display of purple-blue flowers in spring and summer. With its broad, spreading canopy and fern-like foliage, it is a favorite feature tree in warm-climate gardens. Native to South America, this tree is widely grown in urban landscapes, parks, and streetscapes for its ornamental beauty. Its graceful form and vibrant floral display make it an iconic tree in subtropical and tropical regions. Flowers:In late spring to early summer, Jacaranda mimosifolia bursts into bloom with clusters of tubular, lavender-blue flowers that cover the branches. These flowers form a stunning, showy display, carpeting the ground in a sea of purple as they fall. The blooms are lightly fragrant and attract pollinators like bees. Foliage:The leaves are bright green and feathery, composed of multiple small leaflets, giving the tree a soft, airy appearance. During the cooler months, the tree is semi-deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter. The delicate foliage creates a light shade, making it ideal for planting over lawns or garden beds where filtered sunlight is needed. Fruit:Following the flowering period, flat, woody seed pods form. These pods are round, brown, and hard, resembling small discs. Though not particularly ornamental, they add interest and persist on the tree after the flowers have fallen. Form and Size:Jacaranda mimosifolia has a broad, spreading canopy with an open, vase-like form. It typically reaches a height of 10-15 meters, with a similar spread. The tree develops an attractive, gnarled trunk as it matures, adding character to its overall appearance. Its graceful, arching branches make it an excellent choice for providing dappled shade. Growing Conditions:This tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Jacaranda mimosifolia is drought-tolerant once established but appreciates regular watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly when young. It is frost-sensitive, so it is best suited to warmer climates or protected areas in cooler regions. Uses:Jacaranda mimosifolia is ideal as a feature tree in large gardens or public spaces where its floral display can be fully appreciated. Its spreading canopy provides shade, making it suitable for parks, streetscapes, or planted over garden seating areas. The tree's flowers create a striking visual impact when planted in rows or as a focal point in landscape designs. Maintenance:Relatively low-maintenance, this tree benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead wood and maintain a balanced shape. Water deeply when establishing young trees, and mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering. Notes:The Jacaranda is iconic in many warm-climate cities worldwide, celebrated for its vibrant spring blooms. While it is stunning when in flower, the fallen petals can be slippery on footpaths, so this should be considered when planting near walkways or driveways. In some regions, Jacaranda mimosifolia is considered invasive, so it's important to check local guidelines before planting. Companion Plants:Pairs well with other subtropical and Mediterranean plants such as Bougainvillea, Agapanthus, and Callistemon. Its light, filtered shade makes it an ideal companion for underplanting with shrubs like Lavender and Roses. Common Name: JacarandaBotanical Name: Jacaranda mimosifoliaFamily: BignoniaceaeOrigin: South America

Jacaranda Mimosafolia alba - White

Jacaranda mimosifolia alba (white flowers) is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America that has been widely planted elsewhere because of its attractive white flowers can reach a height of around 10-15m, and a spread of the same size. Fertilise seasonally. Flowers in Spring

Polyalthia longifolia Pendula (Indian Mast Tree)

Polyalthia longifolia Pendula (Indian Mast Tree) is a tree that is native to India and grows to around 8.0 m tall. With its shiny green leaves and a straight column of growth they are very good plants to have in rows as a border plant or screening

Waterhousia floribunda Amaroo

Description:Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo', commonly known as Weeping Lilly Pilly, is a graceful evergreen tree characterized by its pendulous branches and lush, glossy green foliage. It is a versatile Australian native, often used as a feature tree or for hedging and screening due to its dense growth habit. 'Amaroo' is a more compact cultivar of Waterhousia floribunda, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban spaces while still offering the same elegant, weeping form. Flowers:In spring and summer, Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo' produces small, fluffy white to cream-colored flowers. These blooms are subtle but attract pollinators such as bees. The flowers are followed by small, non-showy fruits. Foliage:The foliage is glossy and dark green, with slightly wavy, lance-shaped leaves that create a dense, lush canopy. The new growth often has a reddish or bronze tint, adding seasonal interest. The tree's weeping habit gives it a soft, cascading appearance, which makes it a beautiful ornamental plant. Fruit:Small, inconspicuous green fruits may appear after flowering, but they are not a prominent feature of the tree. These fruits are generally not considered edible. Form and Size:'Amaroo' typically grows to a height of 5-8 meters with a spread of 3-5 meters. Its weeping branches create a flowing, fountain-like form that makes it suitable for use as a screening or hedge plant. This cultivar has a naturally compact growth habit, making it more manageable for smaller gardens than the standard Waterhousia floribunda. Growing Conditions:Thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it appreciates regular watering, Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo' is drought-tolerant once established. It can tolerate mild frosts and performs well in both tropical and temperate climates. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Uses:'Waterhousia floribunda* 'Amaroo' is an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or as a feature tree in formal or informal gardens. Its compact size makes it well-suited to urban landscapes or small garden spaces, and its elegant, weeping form adds softness to any landscape design. Maintenance:Low-maintenance and easy to grow, 'Amaroo' benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape, especially when used as a hedge or screen. Pruning after flowering will encourage bushy growth and maintain its compact form. Fertilizing in spring will support vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. Notes:'Waterhousia floribunda' 'Amaroo' is psyllid-resistant, which makes it a preferred choice over other lilly pilly varieties that are prone to leaf distortion from pest infestations. Its weeping form and compact growth habit make it a standout choice for those seeking an ornamental feature tree with practical benefits. Companion Plants:Pairs well with contrasting plants like Westringia, Syzygium australe, or Lomandra, which offer different textures and forms. It also works beautifully with other native Australian plants, providing a lush, green backdrop to flowering shrubs and grasses. Common Name: Weeping Lilly Pilly 'Amaroo'Botanical Name: Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo'Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia