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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 4.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Brush Box performs well with relatively little water 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 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. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Brush Box with species that also favour happy on low water and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. 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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
