Blueberry Ash Tree

Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) is one of the most useful small trees in Australian horticulture, and the roots are the reason. It reaches about 6m to 8m tall and only 4m wide, and has a non invasive root system, so it can go near paving, pools and pipes where most trees cause trouble. In spring it carries sprays of fringed bell flowers in white or pink with a light sweet scent, followed by the deep blue berries that name it.

Why you'll love it

• Non invasive roots. The practical reason it appears in so many landscape plans, and why it suits narrow beds beside driveways and pool surrounds.
• Slim for its height. Around 4m wide at 6m to 8m tall, so it screens on a block that cannot spare the width.
• Two seasons of interest. Fringed white to pink flowers with a soft fragrance in spring, then blue berries that hold for months.
• Feeds local wildlife. Birds work through the berries and the flowers bring in native bees and butterflies.
• Wide climate range. Subtropical gardens down through warm and cool temperate districts.

Where it works best

Screening on a narrow block. Plant 2m apart for a tall screen. The canopies knit above fence height while the beds below stay manageable.

Near paving, pools and services. The non invasive roots make it one of the safer choices within a few metres of a pool surround or a sewer line, where a eucalypt would be a mistake.

Feature and shade tree. A single tree gives dappled shade rather than dense shade, so lawn and understorey plants still grow beneath it.

Growing Blueberry Ash in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. In full sun the canopy is denser and flowering heavier; in part shade the habit is more open and the tree grows taller. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and tolerates light frost only, so hard frosting inland districts want a sheltered position.

Soil. Adaptable, and more tolerant of damp ground than most trees of its size. It handles soil that stays moist and even briefly wet, which suits the low corner of a block. Mulch 75mm deep, off the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep water twice a week through the first summer, then weekly in dry spells. It is not a drought tree, so keep the water up in hot dry periods for the first three years. A native fertiliser in early spring and late summer is all it needs.

Pruning. Very little. Tip prune young trees to encourage branching, and lift the lower limbs for clearance. Prune after flowering so you keep the wood carrying next season's berries.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown from tube stock and 140mm through 200mm and 250mm multipacks, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots, and up to 45L, 75L and 100L advanced trees. Small sizes are the value choice for a screen run. The 45L and larger trees give immediate height and a formed canopy.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a settling month, then steady growth through the warm months, with first flowering in the second or third season. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native plants
• Compare small trees for Australian gardens
• See other tall screening plants
• Explore scented plants

Common questions

Are the roots really safe near pipes and paving?

Blueberry Ash has a non invasive root system and is widely specified for narrow beds and pool surrounds. Keep a sensible distance from house footings, but it is one of the lower risk options at this height.

How tall will it get in my garden?

Around 6m to 8m tall and 4m wide. Records of 15m or more come from forest specimens competing for light, not open garden plantings.

Will it grow in a wet spot?

Better than most. It tolerates soil that stays damp, so the low end of a block suits it, provided the site is not permanently waterlogged.