A magnificent large tree with sculptural, twisting limbs and smooth pink-to-orange bark that sheds to reveal salmon tones. Clusters of creamy summer flowers feed bees and birds.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 20 m H × 12 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Smooth-barked Apple
Botanically, Angophora costata is a moderate-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 20 m tall and 12 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White and cream green flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Smooth-barked Apple
Smooth-barked Apple suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Smooth-barked Apple does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Smooth-barked Apple is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Smooth-barked Apple after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Smooth-barked Apple in the garden
Smooth-barked Apple earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Smooth-barked Apple with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Smooth-barked Apple
Plant Sale lists Smooth-barked Apple as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Smooth-barked Apple seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.