Elaeocarpus 'Prima Donna' is a compact Australian native tree celebrated for its spectacular display of vibrant deep pink flowers, glossy evergreen foliage and naturally attractive growth habit. Flowering over an extended period from spring through summer, it provides a brilliant splash of colour while attracting birds, bees and butterflies to the garden. Smaller than the species, 'Prima Donna' is ideal for feature planting, screening, hedging and streetscapes, making it a versatile choice for both residential and commercial landscapes. Its tolerance of humidity and coastal conditions makes it particularly well suited to South East Queensland gardens.

Flowers

Masses of striking deep pink, fringed bell-shaped flowers are produced from spring through summer, often over an extended flowering season. The nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies and nectar-feeding birds.

Foliage

Glossy, deep green evergreen foliage creates a dense canopy throughout the year. New growth emerges with attractive bronze to copper tones before maturing to rich green.

Fruit

Small round blue berries develop after flowering and are highly attractive to native birds, adding seasonal interest to the tree.

Form & Size

A compact, upright evergreen tree with a dense, rounded canopy.

Mature Size: Approximately 4–6m high × 2–3m wide

Growing Conditions

Sun: Full sun to part shade.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils but adapts to a wide range of soil types with good drainage.

Water: Water regularly during establishment. Once established it has moderate drought tolerance but performs best with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Frost: Tolerates light frosts once established.

Wind: Excellent tolerance of coastal conditions and moderate winds.

Climate: Well suited to subtropical, tropical, warm temperate and coastal climates throughout Australia.

Uses

• Feature tree
• Small shade tree
• Informal screening
• Privacy planting
• Native gardens
• Wildlife gardens
• Streetscapes
• Commercial landscaping
• Large pots and containers

Maintenance

A very low-maintenance tree requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its natural shape or remove damaged branches. Feed annually with a quality slow-release fertiliser during spring and apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and encourage healthy growth.

Notes

'Prima Donna' is one of the most colourful selections of Blueberry Ash, producing an abundance of vibrant pink flowers that create a spectacular display each year. Its compact size, attractive foliage and bird-attracting berries make it an outstanding feature tree for modern Australian gardens where year-round interest and reliable performance are desired.

Companion Plants

• Syzygium 'Resilience'
• Backhousia citriodora
• Buckinghamia celsissima
• Lomandra 'Little Pal'
• Dianella
• Liriope 'Emerald Cascade'
• Heliconia
• Cordyline
• Blechnum Ferns

Common Name: Prima Donna Blueberry Ash

Botanical Name: Elaeocarpus reticulatus 'Prima Donna'

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

Origin: Cultivated selection of the Australian native Elaeocarpus reticulatus.