ATRACTOCARPUS fitzalanii Native Gardenia (Randia fitzalanii)

Native Gardenia (Atractocarpus fitzalanii, long sold as Randia fitzalanii) is a north Queensland rainforest tree that has become one of the best screening plants for warm Australian gardens. In cultivation it settles at about 5m tall and 3m wide with a naturally dense, glossy canopy. The white flowers are heavily perfumed in the manner of a true gardenia, and they are followed by yellow fruit that birds take and people can eat.

Why you'll love it

• Perfume that carries. The white flowers scent a whole courtyard on a warm evening, so plant it near a door or an open window.
• Dense glossy foliage all year. Large, deep green leaves hold right down the plant, so it screens without the thin base that catches out many rainforest trees.
• A native that feeds wildlife. Yellow fruit follows the flowers and brings birds in. The pulp is edible for people too.
• Coastal tolerance. Salt laden wind and high humidity both suit it, so it holds up on exposed blocks where many screening trees burn.

Where it works best

Screening and hedging. Plant 1.5m apart for a dense screen. At that spacing the canopies knit into a continuous evergreen wall while each tree stays furnished to the ground.

Feature planting. A single specimen near an entry or an outdoor living area earns its place on scent alone, and the glossy canopy reads well against rendered walls.

Small and coastal gardens. The modest 3m width and salt tolerance suit courtyards, side boundaries and beachside blocks.

Growing native gardenia in Australia

Position and climate. Partial shade suits it best, matching its rainforest origins, though it takes more sun once established. It is frost tender and belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Cold inland districts, the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens are not suitable.

Soil. Deep, rich and free draining, with plenty of compost worked through the bed. Mulch 75mm deep and keep it clear of the trunk. It will not tolerate a waterlogged planting hole.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week through the first two summers, since this is a slow growing tree and root establishment takes longer than usual. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer.

Pruning. Very little is required. Tip prune young growth to thicken a screen, and lift the lowest branches only for a clear trunk on a feature specimen.

What to expect when it arrives

This listing is ex ground stock: a field grown tree, lifted to order with a root ball rather than raised in a pot. It comes in a single advanced size, so you are buying a mature specimen with real height and canopy on the day it goes in.

An ex ground tree needs a machine or several people to place, a hole prepared before it arrives, and staking for its first two years. Some leaf drop after lifting is normal, and the canopy refills over the following season. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Using native gardenia for natural privacy
• Browse the full ex ground tree range
• Compare other Australian native trees
• Shop fragrant plants for entries and courtyards

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

1.5m apart in a single row. That spacing lets each canopy reach its full 3m width and overlap its neighbour, giving a solid screen without the trees competing.

Will it handle frost?

No. It is frost tender, so a hard frost damages the foliage and can kill young growth. Gardeners in cold districts should choose a frost hardy screening tree instead.

Is the fruit really edible?

Yes. The yellow fruit is a traditional bush food, though birds usually reach it first. It also drops, so keep that in mind if you are planting over paving.