Queensland Brush Box Tree

Queensland Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) is the tough evergreen shade tree that councils have planted along Australian streets for decades. In a garden it settles at about 12m tall and 6m wide, holding a dense rounded canopy of glossy leaves year round, with cream flowers in early summer. It handles heat, wind, salt and dry spells, which is why it keeps its shape where softer trees thin out.

Why you'll love it

• Real shade, all year. The canopy is dense and evergreen, so a patio or driveway stays cool through summer without a winter mess of leaves.
• Handles exposure. Wind, salt, heat and drought tolerant once established, so coastal and open blocks suit it.
• Bark and flowers worth a look. Rough grey bark gives way to smooth ginger new bark, and cream flowers bring nectar birds in early summer.
• Little to do. A well placed brush box needs almost nothing beyond a formative prune in its first few years.

Where it works best

Shade tree. One tree covers a generous outdoor area. Plant it at least 5m from the house so the mature 6m canopy has room and gutters stay clear.

Driveways and avenues. Plant 4m apart for a matched run. Canopies meet overhead within several seasons and the trunks lift clear once you remove the low limbs.

Tall screening and windbreaks. The same 4m spacing gives a high evergreen wall on a large block, and it filters wind rather than forcing it over the top.

Growing Queensland Brush Box in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade. It belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and it takes light frost only, so cold tableland and southern inland districts are not suitable. In those areas choose a deciduous shade tree instead.

Soil. Not fussy, but it wants depth and drainage. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound and work compost through a wide bed. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then only in extended dry weather. A slow release native fertiliser in early spring for the first few years is enough to build the framework.

Pruning. Prune while it is young. Remove competing leaders and lift the lowest branches gradually over the first four or five years to set the trunk height you want. Mature trees rarely need work beyond removing damaged wood.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in eight sizes. The 140mm pack of ten and the 300mm are young single stemmed trees, the value choice for an avenue or a paddock planting because they establish fast. The 400mm, 30L and 45L sizes are the usual middle ground, while the 75L, 100L and 200L trees arrive with a formed trunk and 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 quiet month after planting, then strong growth through the first warm season. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Browse Australian native trees
• Compare fast growing shade trees
• Trees that suit driveways and avenues

Common questions

How big does it really get in a garden?

Around 12m to 15m tall and 6m wide over a long life. The 30m figure quoted for the species applies to rainforest specimens, not to open garden or street conditions.

How close can I plant it to the house?

Allow at least 5m, and more if you want to keep gutters clear. The roots are not aggressive by eucalypt standards, but the canopy needs room.

Does it drop much litter?

Some. It sheds older leaves gradually rather than all at once, along with bark and spent flowers in early summer, so paving under it needs sweeping.