Lacebark Tree

The Lacebark Tree (Brachychiton discolor) is one of the great Australian flowering trees, and it saves its display for midsummer when most gardens have little else happening. It grows to about 12m tall and 7m wide, with a pale grey trunk, broad lobed leaves and bright pink bell flowers carried on bare branches. Birds and bees work it hard for the weeks it is in flower.

Why you'll love it

• Pink flowers in the heat of summer. The tree sheds most of its leaves before flowering, so the bells are held against bare wood and read from the street.
• A native that feeds wildlife. Honeyeaters, lorikeets, bees and butterflies all use the flowers, which is not something most ornamental shade trees offer.
• Shade with a manageable footprint. At roughly 12m by 7m it casts a genuine canopy without the spread of a fig or a poinciana.
• Drought and heat tolerant. Once established it copes with dry summers and reflected heat, which suits inland and western suburbs blocks.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One tree in a lawn or front garden is enough. Give it 7m of clear width so the crown can develop its natural rounded shape.

Shade trees. The canopy shades an outdoor area through the hottest months, and the summer leaf drop lets more light reach the ground beneath it.

Driveways and avenues. Allow at least 7m between trees for a matched row. Closer than that and the crowns crowd each other into narrow, drawn up shapes.

Growing Lacebark Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the best flowering. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate tree that tolerates light frost only, so hard frosting inland districts, the tablelands and cold southern gardens are outside its range.

Soil. Deep, well drained soil suits it best, and it will not tolerate waterlogging. Work compost through a wide planting hole and mulch 75mm deep, kept off the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soaks weekly through the first two summers while the root system goes down, then only through extended dry spells. A controlled release native fertiliser in early spring is enough; heavy feeding pushes leaf at the expense of flower.

Pruning. Shape it in the first few years to a single clear trunk and remove crossing branches. After that leave it alone, since mature Brachychitons resent hard cuts.

What to expect when it arrives

It is available in 25L and 1000L. The 25L is a young tree to plant and grow on. The 1000L is a mature specimen for a garden that needs impact immediately, and it requires machinery and clear site access to place.

Expect leaf drop after transit and again ahead of flowering, both normal for this species rather than a sign of stress. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, and advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing a canopy tree for real shade
• Browse the Australian native tree range
• Compare other flowering trees
• Meet its relative, the Queensland bottle tree

Common questions

Does it lose its leaves?

Partly. It sheds most of its foliage in late spring or early summer just before flowering, then refoliates quickly afterwards. It is semi deciduous rather than truly evergreen.

How long before it flowers?

A 25L tree usually needs several years in the ground, often five or more, before it flowers well. Advanced stock flowers far sooner because the tree is already mature.

Are the roots a risk near paving or pipes?

Less than many trees of this size, though the base thickens with age. Allow at least 5m from paths, driveways and services as sensible practice.

Will it survive frost?

Light frost only, and young trees are the most vulnerable. In cold districts it is worth choosing a hardier flowering tree rather than nursing this one through winters.