Brachychiton ‘Griffith Pink’

Brachychiton 'Griffith Pink' (Brachychiton 'Griffith Pink') is an Australian bred hybrid that flowers when very little else does. Soft pink bells cover the branches while the tree is bare or half bare, so the display reads as pure colour with no foliage competing with it. It grows to around 8m tall and 4m wide, handles drought, heat and wind once established, and casts genuine shade through summer.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers on bare branches. The pink bells open against clear stems, which is why a mature tree stops traffic and a photograph of one never quite does it justice.
• A native that copes with dry heat. Drought and heat tolerant, so it holds up through inland summers where many flowering trees need constant watering.
• Sensible mature size. At about 8m by 4m it gives shade and presence without the spread of a fig or a large gum.
• It feeds wildlife. The flowers bring honeyeaters, native bees and butterflies through the flowering season.

Where it works best

Feature planting. This tree is bought to be looked at. Give it an open position in a front garden or lawn where the flowering canopy can be seen whole, and underplant low so nothing obscures the trunk.

Driveways and avenues. Its upright habit and moderate width suit an avenue planting, where a row in flower at the same time is the strongest use of the tree.

Shade tree. The summer canopy shades a seating area or a north facing wall, and the lighter winter canopy lets warmth back in when you want it.

Growing Brachychiton Griffith Pink in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, which is what drives heavy flowering. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid to semi-arid gardens. It takes light frost only, so hard frosting tablelands and cold inland districts need a sheltered warm position or a different tree.

Soil. Well drained above all. Sandy and gravelly soils are ideal, and on heavy clay plant on a raised mound with compost worked through. Mulch 75mm deep and keep it clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers to establish the root system, then only in prolonged dry spells. A low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring supports flowering. Overwatering a mature tree reduces the display.

Pruning. Very little. Shape lightly after flowering while the tree is young to build a clear trunk and an even crown. Avoid heavy cuts, which spoil the natural branch structure that makes the bare wood display work.

What to expect when it arrives

Three sizes are grown: a 400mm pot, and advanced 45L and 70L trees. The 400mm is a younger tree, the value option if you are planting several for an avenue and can wait. The 45L and 70L arrive with height and a formed crown, which matters for a feature tree where the shape is the point.

Trees 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 season before the first real flowering display, and note that young trees often flower lightly before hitting their stride. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse feature trees
• Compare flowering trees
• Choosing trees to line a driveway
• The Queensland bottle tree, a related Brachychiton

Common questions

When does it flower?

Through spring into early summer in most gardens, with the timing shifting a few weeks by climate. Warm dry conditions in the lead up generally give the heaviest display.

Is it fully deciduous?

Not reliably. It drops much or all of its foliage before flowering, but how bare it goes depends on the season and how cold your winter runs.

How close can I plant it to the house?

Allow at least 4m from a wall or paving so the crown has room and the roots stay clear. It is a well behaved tree, but 8m of height needs proportionate space.