A hardy, drought-tolerant Australian native with a swollen trunk, glossy poplar-like leaves and cream bell flowers. An iconic, long-lived shade and shelter tree for tough conditions.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 12 m H × 8 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Kurrajong
Brachychiton populneus is a slow-growing tree in the Malvaceae family, native to New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. It reaches around 12 m tall and 8 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Kurrajong
Kurrajong suits warm-temperate, subtropical and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Kurrajong does best in loamy, clay, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Kurrajong is very drought tolerant once established, 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 Kurrajong after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Kurrajong in the garden
Kurrajong earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, a windbreak and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Kurrajong with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Kurrajong
Plant Sale lists Kurrajong as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.