Ivory Curl Tree

The ivory curl tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) is the flowering native to plant when the block is too small for a poinciana but you still want a tree people stop and look at. In cultivation it settles at about 6m to 8m tall and 4m wide, evergreen and densely leafed, and from late summer into autumn it hangs long creamy white flower spikes through the canopy. The roots are well behaved, which is why landscapers keep specifying it near driveways.

Why you'll love it

• A serious flowering display on a small tree. Curling ivory spikes up to 200mm long, carried in quantity and lightly perfumed.
• Non-invasive roots. It does not lift paving or chase pipes the way figs do, so it can go close to a house or a driveway.
• Evergreen shade and screening. The canopy is dense enough to shade a courtyard and block a first floor window, all year.
• Tough, and good for wildlife. Honeyeaters and pollinators work the flowers in late summer, and the tree is drought and heat tolerant enough for a hot exposed street.

Where it works best

Feature tree in a small garden. At 4m wide it fits a suburban backyard without taking the whole lawn. Put it where you will see the flowers from a window or a seat.

Driveways, avenues and screening. Plant 3m apart. The upright habit and tidy roots make it a better neighbour to concrete than most trees this size, and a row of three or four blocks an overlooking window at first floor level, which a hedge cannot do.

Growing the ivory curl tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the heaviest flowering; it tolerates part shade but flowers less. This is a tree for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost once established, so the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens should choose something hardier.

Soil, water and feed. Any reasonably drained soil, including poorer sandy ground. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound with compost worked through, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, after which it only needs help in long dry spells. Feed with a low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring, because this proteaceae relative dislikes heavy general purpose fertiliser.

Pruning and mature size. Very little pruning is needed. Shape it or lift the lower branches straight after flowering, and avoid pruning in late spring or you will remove the flower wood. You may read that the species reaches 25m; that comes from wild rainforest trees, not open gardens.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in tube, 200mm multipacks, 300mm and 400mm, and in 25L, 45L, 100L and 200L. Tube and 200mm plants are young, single stemmed and the sensible buy for an avenue. The 300mm and 400mm sizes suit one feature tree, and the 25L and larger stock arrives with a formed trunk and real height.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet first month while the roots move out, then strong growth through the warm season. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native trees
• Compare flowering trees for Australian gardens
• Upright trees for driveways and entrances
• Preparing a garden bed before planting

Common questions

Is it safe to plant near a driveway or pipes?

Yes, and it is one of the few flowering trees we would say that about. The roots are non-invasive, so it does not lift concrete or force its way into drains. Still allow 2m of clearance for the canopy.

When does it flower?

Late summer into autumn, heaviest on trees in full sun. A young tree may take two to four years to flower well, and larger planted stock flowers sooner.

How far apart for a screen or an avenue?

Three metres apart. The canopies meet at that spacing to give a continuous line without crowding the trunks or forcing the trees to lean away.