Norfolk, Bunya and Araucaria Pines

How to choose an araucaria

The Norfolk Island Pine is the classic seaside tree, with tiers of level branches in a perfect pyramid. It is also the one most often kept in a pot, indoors in bright light or outside as a living Christmas tree, and it will stay container sized for years. The Cook Pine is similar but narrower, with a trunk that often leans as it ages.

The Hoop Pine Tree is a Queensland and New South Wales rainforest native with tufts of dark foliage at the ends of the branches and a straight trunk. The Bunya Pine Tree, from south east Queensland, forms a dense dome of sharp, glossy leaves and bears the edible bunya nut. Advanced field grown hoop and bunya pines are also offered.

The Wollemi Pine is a different proposition: slow, multi stemmed with age, with soft fern like foliage and bubbly bark. It is happy in a large pot for many years.

Where araucarias grow

Every Araucaria here grows into a tree of 25 metres and more, with a wide root zone. They belong on acreage, in parks and on big coastal blocks, well away from houses, pipes and powerlines. They are not trees for a suburban courtyard.

Norfolk Island and Cook pines thrive in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate coastal areas, tolerate salt wind and sand, and are frost tender when young. Hoop and bunya pines suit subtropical and warm temperate climates with reasonable rainfall and deep soil, and established trees take light frost. The Wollemi pine prefers mild temperate conditions and handles cool winters and light frost.

Safety matters with the bunya. Mature bunya pines drop cones weighing up to 10 kilograms in late summer, so never plant one over a path, driveway, parking area or play space. See our conifers for smaller options, our plants for coastal areas for seaside sites and other Australian native trees.

Planting and spacing

Plant in spring or early autumn in deep, well drained soil and full sun. Set the tree at the level it grew and water in thoroughly. Allow at least 10 to 15 metres from buildings and boundaries, and 8 to 10 metres between trees in an avenue. Stake only if the site is windy, and never cut the leading shoot: an araucaria that loses its leader loses its shape.

For a potted Norfolk Island or Wollemi pine use a large container and a free draining mix. Keep the Wollemi sheltered from hot afternoon sun.

Care basics

Water deeply and regularly for the first two or three summers. Established trees in the ground look after themselves in most seasons. Mulch widely and feed young trees in spring with a slow release fertiliser. For the Wollemi pine choose a low phosphorus native formula. No pruning is needed beyond removing dead lower branches. Water potted trees when the top of the mix dries.

Common questions

How big does a Norfolk Island pine grow?

In the ground it can pass 30 metres over many decades. In a pot it grows slowly and stays manageable for years.

Can I keep a Norfolk Island pine indoors?

Yes, in a bright room near a window, away from heaters and air conditioning.

Are bunya pines dangerous?

The falling cones are. They can weigh up to 10 kilograms, so keep bunya pines well away from anywhere people walk, park or play.

Can a Wollemi pine grow in a pot?

Yes. It is slow and suits a large pot with good drainage, in morning sun or bright dappled light.