Elaeocarpus reticulatus ‘Prima Donna’

Prima Donna Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus 'Prima Donna') is the pink flowered form of one of the most useful native screening trees in the country. It grows to about 6m tall but only 3m wide, so it lifts a screen well above fence height without eating the garden bed. Through spring and early summer it hangs deep pink fringed bells along the branches, followed by the blue berries that give the plant its name.

Why you'll love it

• Tall and narrow by nature. Six metres of height on a three metre footprint is what a narrow side boundary needs.
• Pink bells, then blue berries. The flowers are lightly scented and the berries hold for months, so the tree earns its place twice a year.
• Non invasive roots. It can go near paving, pool surrounds and services without worry.
• A wide climate range. It performs from the tropics through to cool temperate gardens.
• Birds do the rest. Fruit eating natives work the berries through summer and autumn.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 2m apart in a single row. That spacing matches the natural width and lets each tree keep its upright shape rather than being clipped into a hedge.

Driveways and avenues. Matched rows read well because the habit is consistent, and the narrow crown keeps a driveway clear at vehicle height.

Feature planting and small gardens. Height, narrow spread and well behaved roots make it a safe single specimen for a courtyard or entry.

Growing Prima Donna Blueberry Ash in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the densest screen and heaviest flowering; part shade produces a looser, more open tree. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, which covers Cairns through to Melbourne. It takes light frost once established, so hard frosting inland districts should shelter young trees for their first two winters.

Soil. A rainforest margin plant, so it prefers moisture retentive, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. It tolerates wet feet better than most screening trees, so damp beds are workable. Mulch 75mm deep, kept off the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then weekly in dry spells. Feed with a controlled release native fertiliser in early spring and late summer, because phosphorus levels in general purpose blends run too high.

Pruning. Tip prune from planting to build density low down. It takes trimming well and can be held as a tall formal hedge, though most gardens get more from the natural upright shape.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in ten sizes. The 140mm, 200mm and 250mm multi packs are the value choice for a long boundary: young single stemmed plants that establish fast and cost far less per metre of screen. The 300mm to 500mm pots suit a handful of trees, while the 45L, 75L, 100L and 300L sizes arrive already branched with genuine height on day one.

Plants travel upright and are 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 about a month of settling, then steady growth through the warm season, with a young screen closing in its second and third years. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The full blueberry ash growing guide
• Browse more Australian native trees
• Compare hedging and screening plants
• Using Elaeocarpus eumundi for a tall screen

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Two metres apart in a single row. Tighter spacing does not close the screen faster and only sets the trees competing for water and light at the base.

How is 'Prima Donna' different from the ordinary blueberry ash?

The flowers. The straight species carries white bells, while this selection flowers deep pink. Size, habit and care are otherwise the same.

Does it grow in cooler southern gardens?

Yes. It handles cool temperate conditions and light frost once established, though growth is slower and the tree settles a little shorter than in a subtropical garden.