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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Kurrajong handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Kurrajong after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, 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
Kurrajong sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to dry conditions once established and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered 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. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
