Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island Pine is the tree that defines an Australian coastline. Araucaria heterophylla grows to about 15m tall and 6m wide in a garden, building a symmetrical tiered silhouette that stands upright in wind. Endemic to Norfolk Island, it is salt, wind and drought tolerant once established, one of the few genuine feature trees for a front line coastal block.

Why you'll love it

• A silhouette nothing else matches. Horizontal branch tiers spaced evenly up a straight trunk, readable from a long way off.
• It laughs at salt wind. It takes salt spray and gales metres from the surf without burning or leaning.
• Evergreen and almost no maintenance. Soft needle foliage year round, with no pruning, shaping or staking after the first year.
• Tolerant across most of the country. Comfortable from tropical Queensland to cool temperate southern gardens, provided frost stays light.

Where it works best

Coastal feature planting. A single tree in lawn, given at least 6m of clear space in every direction.

Driveways and avenues. Plant 8m to 10m apart so each tree keeps its full tiered form. Crowding ruins the shape you planted them for.

Windbreaks. On an exposed acreage, a row at 8m spacing gives tall, permanent shelter that does not thin with age.

Growing Norfolk Island Pines in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and plenty of room. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens and tolerates light frost only.

Soil. Free draining sand is its preference and it grows on almost pure beach sand. Heavier soils are fine if they drain. On clay, plant on a mound 300mm above the surrounding level.

Water and feed. Water deeply once a week through the first two summers, then it is largely self sufficient. A slow release fertiliser in early spring for the first few years is enough; overfeeding produces soft growth that suffers in wind.

Pruning. None. Never remove the leading shoot: the tree cannot replace it and the symmetry is lost permanently. Lower branches can be lifted for clearance once the tree is tall.

What to expect when it arrives

Six sizes are grown: 300mm and 400mm pots, 45L and 90L bags, and advanced 100L and 200L stock. The 300mm and 400mm plants are young trees under a metre, the sensible option for an avenue. The 45L and 90L sizes give real presence in the first year, and the 100L and 200L trees arrive with several branch tiers formed.

Branches are tied in for transit and may look compressed on arrival, then settle within a few weeks. Plant promptly, stake only for the first season on an exposed site, and expect visible growth from the second spring. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, with our 30 day healthy plant guarantee on every tree.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Planning a coastal feature garden, and choosing a tree for the exposure.
• Browse our feature trees if you want shade as well as shape.
• Salt tolerant plants for coastal gardens to plant around it.
• Advanced trees for immediate height.

Common questions

How big does it really get?

About 15m tall and 6m wide in a garden over several decades, and taller again on an old coastal site. Plant it well clear of the house, fences, driveways and underground services.

Will it cope with frost?

Light frost only. It handles an occasional cold morning in warm and cool temperate gardens, but hard frosting inland districts and highland areas will damage young growth.

Can I keep one in a pot?

For a few years, yes, and small plants are often grown that way indoors before planting out. It is temporary though: the tree becomes root bound and starts thinning once it outgrows the container.