A robust evergreen Australian native with a dense rounded canopy of glossy leaves, peeling reddish-brown bark and fluffy white summer flowers. A tough, widely planted street and shade tree.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 15 m H × 8 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Brush Box
Botanically, Lophostemon confertus is a moderate-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 15 m tall and 8 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Brush Box
Brush Box suits subtropical 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. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Brush Box does best in loamy, clay and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 4.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Brush Box 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 Brush Box after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Brush Box in the garden
Brush Box earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Brush Box with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and subtropical 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.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe. It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Brush Box
Plant Sale lists Brush Box 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 it is available.