HARPULLIA pendula (Tulipwood)

Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula) is one of the best behaved shade trees Australia has produced, which is why councils plant it along so many streets. It makes a dense rounded canopy at about 10m tall and 6m wide, holds its glossy leaves year round, and its roots stay clear of pipes and paving. Bright orange seed capsules split to show black seed.

Why you'll love it

• Roots you can plant near. Non-invasive, which is why it is a standard street tree and a sensible choice beside a driveway or path.
• Real shade, all year. Evergreen with a dense rounded canopy, so it shades a lawn in every season, not only summer.
• Orange capsules that stop people. The pods hang in bright clusters, giving the tree an ornamental season of its own.
• Australian native, tough on exposure. Coastal and salt tolerant, drought tolerant once established, and comfortable in humidity.

Where it works best

Shade trees. The rounded canopy throws even shade over a lawn or a seating area, and leaf drop is light.

Driveways and avenues. Allow 6m to 8m between trees for a street style avenue, which lets each canopy fill out without crowding its neighbour.

Poolside. Unusual for a tree this size: firm leaves and modest drop, so it works near a pool where a messier canopy would not.

Growing Tulipwood in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the densest crown. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate tree from eastern Australia. It takes light frost only, so cold inland and hard frosting southern gardens are not suitable, and young trees need protection anywhere that frosts.

Soil. Deep, well drained soil with compost worked through the planting area. Not fussy about type, but it sulks in ground that stays wet.

Water and feed. A newly planted advanced tree needs deep watering two or three times a week through its first two summers, after which it is genuinely drought tolerant. Feed a controlled release native fertiliser in early spring, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Pruning. Very little, since it forms its rounded shape naturally. Lift the lower limbs over a few seasons for clearance beneath, and remove damaged wood after storms.

What to expect when it arrives

This is an ex ground tree, grown in the field and lifted with a root ball rather than raised in a pot. It comes in one size, 5m to 5.5m, and is currently on backorder, so allow a lead time while stock is prepared. At that height you are buying a semi mature tree that shades in its first summer.

A tree this size needs a prepared hole, machinery or several people to position it, and staking through the first two seasons. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, quoted against the tree and your access. We deliver Australia wide, with a minimum order of $300 before delivery and a 30 day healthy plant guarantee. Expect some leaf drop while it settles, then steady growth once the roots move out.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse other ex ground advanced trees.
• Compare the Australian native tree range.
• See more trees with non-invasive roots.
• Read our guide to choosing a canopy tree for shade.

Common questions

Is it safe to plant near a driveway or pipes?

Yes, within reason. Tulipwood has non-invasive roots and is widely used as a street tree, so allow about 3m of clearance from hard surfaces and services as good practice.

How big will it actually get in a garden?

Around 10m tall and 6m wide. Records of 15m come from forest specimens drawn up in competition for light, not from open grown garden trees.

Will it grow in Melbourne or Adelaide?

Not reliably. It takes light frost only, so it is a tree for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Cold southern districts should choose a frost hardy shade tree instead.

Is the fruit a problem underfoot?

The orange capsules are light and dry rather than fleshy, so they sweep up easily and do not stain paving.