A handsome rainforest tree with glossy lobed leaves and extraordinary spoke-like wheels of scarlet-and-gold flowers in autumn. A spectacular bird-attracting feature tree.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 10 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 Firewheel Tree
Botanically, Stenocarpus sinuatus is a slow-growing tree in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 10 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and orange flowers appear in autumn.
Where to grow Firewheel Tree
Firewheel 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
Firewheel Tree does best in free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Firewheel Tree is regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. 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 Firewheel Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Firewheel Tree in the garden
Firewheel Tree earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a shade tree and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Firewheel Tree with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering 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.
Buying Firewheel Tree
Plant Sale lists Firewheel Tree as tube stock, 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 lands.