ELAEOCARPUS reticulatus Prima Donna (Blueberry Ash)

Blueberry Ash 'Prima Donna' (Elaeocarpus reticulatus 'Prima Donna') is the pink flowered form of an eastern Australian native that grows up rather than out, reaching about 7m tall and 3m wide. Fringed bell flowers hang under the branches in spring, followed by deep blue berries that bring birds in. These are ex ground trees, field grown to advanced height, so a screen or an avenue reads as established on the day it goes in.

Why you'll love it

• Height without width. At about 7m by 3m it screens a first floor outlook from a bed barely wider than the fence line.
• Flowers you can smell. Pink fringed bells hang along the stems in spring, lightly fragrant and unusual on an evergreen native.
• Roots that stay out of trouble. The root system is non-invasive, so the tree can sit near paving, driveways and services.
• Built for exposed blocks. Salt tolerant, wind tolerant and comfortable in humidity, which suits coastal and subtropical gardens.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 2m apart in a single row. Each crown then fills out without crowding its neighbour, and at ex ground size the row closes almost immediately.

Driveways and avenues. The upright habit suits an evenly spaced run, and the non-invasive roots let you plant closer to the concrete edge than most trees allow.

Small gardens. One tree brings real height to a courtyard without a canopy wide enough to shade the whole garden.

Growing Blueberry Ash in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost once established but no more, so cold inland districts and the southern tablelands sit outside its range.

Soil. Well drained and slightly acidic is ideal, with compost through the backfill. It dislikes sitting wet, so mound the planting position on heavy clay and keep 75mm of mulch clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then taper off as the roots go down. A controlled release native fertiliser in early spring and late summer keeps the foliage dark.

Pruning. Little is needed. Tip prune after flowering to thicken a screen, and lift the lower branches only if you want a clear trunk.

What to expect when it arrives

Two ex ground sizes are grown, 5.5m to 6m and 7.5m to 8m. Field grown and root balled rather than pot grown, they need a prepared hole and firm staking on arrival. Expect some leaf drop in the first month while the root ball settles, then strong growth through the following warm season.

Trees this size are delivered Australia wide, and advanced and large stock is freighted at cost on a specialist truck with an agreed delivery window. A minimum order of $300 before delivery applies, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete blueberry ash guide for Australian gardeners
• Browse other ex ground advanced trees
• Compare tall narrow screening plants
• Trees with non-invasive roots

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Two metres apart in a single row. At ex ground size the crowns already meet at that spacing, and each tree still has room to thicken rather than thin out low down.

Will the roots damage paving or pipes?

The roots are fibrous and non-invasive, which is the main reason this tree gets specified near buildings. Leave about 1.5m of clearance from hard surfaces as good practice.

Will it cope with frost?

Light frost only, and only once established. In a cold inland or tableland garden choose a hardier screen instead.

How is an ex ground tree different from a potted one?

It is grown in the ground and lifted with a root ball, so you buy height rather than a pot. It needs planting promptly, staking, and deep watering through the first two summers.