A Queensland rainforest tree with glossy foliage and long, fragrant cream flower spikes that cascade over the canopy in summer. A spectacular feature and street tree for warm climates.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 8 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Ivory Curl Tree
Botanically, Buckinghamia celsissima is a tree in the Proteaceae family, native to Queensland. It reaches around 8 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green and white flowers appear in summer and autumn.
Where to grow Ivory Curl Tree
Ivory Curl Tree suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Ivory Curl Tree does best in free-draining and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Ivory Curl Tree does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Ivory Curl Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Ivory Curl Tree in the garden
Ivory Curl Tree earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a shade tree and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Combine Ivory Curl Tree with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Ivory Curl Tree
Plant Sale lists Ivory Curl Tree as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
