Queensland

Why Queensland grown stock matters

These plants come straight from production nurseries around the state, acclimatised to real heat, humidity and summer storms before they reach a garden. That head start shows in the first season: less transplant sulk and faster root establishment. The range skews toward what gardeners here actually plant, which means screening lilly pillies, palms, flowering natives, citrus and tough feature trees.

Matching plants to your part of the state

The state covers three distinct growing worlds, and the collection serves all of them. On the tropical coast from Mackay to Cairns, the Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata), a native of Cape Melville in the far north, grows to about 10m, and Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) spreads a 10m canopy of scarlet flowers. Golden penda and native gardenia both want these frost free conditions too. In the subtropical south east, almost everything here performs: Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' makes the classic 2m to 3m privacy hedge, the Ivory Curl Tree flowers at a garden friendly 6m to 8m, and lemon scented myrtle holds around 6m. Inland and on the ranges, frost changes the rules. The Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton rupestris) handles drought and poor soil but only light frost, so shelter young trees through their first winters, and frost hardy choices such as Little Gem magnolia and crepe myrtles are the safer bets for Toowoomba and the granite belt.

Roots, paving and pool fences

Warm climate trees grow fast, so root behaviour is worth checking before you dig. The Foxtail Palm has fibrous, non-invasive roots that are safe beside paving and pools, and the tuckeroo and bottle tree are similarly well behaved. Royal Poinciana is the exception: its broad surface roots will lift paths, so give it open lawn well clear of pipes and paving.

Planting and spacing in the heat

Plant from autumn through early spring where you can, so roots establish before the next hot summer. Space 'Resilience' at 1m for a dense screen, lemon scented myrtle and native gardenia at 1.5m, ivory curl trees at 3m for an avenue and tuckeroos at 4m for a windbreak or street run. Water deeply twice a week through the first summer, mulch 75mm deep, and make sure heavy wet season rain can drain away, because more subtropical plants drown in February than die in September.

Common questions

Do these plants only suit Queensland?

No. Most also thrive in northern New South Wales, coastal Western Australia and other warm parts of the country. Check the climate tags on each product page, and everything is delivered Australia wide.

Which of these trees give the biggest flower display?

Royal Poinciana is the showpiece in warm frost free areas, golden penda flowers in heavy flushes of yellow, and crepe myrtles run from December into March. The tropical plant collection holds more warm season colour.

What should I plant near a pool?

Foxtail and other clean trunked palms are the standard choice for good reason: non-invasive roots and no heavy leaf drop into the water. The palm tree range covers sizes from courtyard to avenue.

Is the Queensland Bottle Tree slow?

Yes, and that is part of its appeal. It builds its bottle shaped trunk over many years, stores water through drought, and its taproot keeps it safe near paving. Our bottle tree guide covers it in detail.

How does delivery work for large trees?

Delivery starts from $29.95 with no minimum order. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.