Australian Tulipwood Tree

Australian Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula) is the shade tree councils reach for when they need something that will not lift the footpath. It grows to about 8m tall with a canopy around 5m across, holds glossy evergreen foliage year round, and has a root system well behaved enough to plant near paving and driveways. In autumn the seed capsules split to show bright orange interiors, and the birds arrive for them.

Why you'll love it

• Roots that stay out of trouble. Non-invasive, which is why this species became a standard street tree. It suits nature strips and courtyards where a fig would cause damage.
• Real shade at a manageable size. About 8m tall and 5m wide is enough canopy to cool a house wall or a parking area without overwhelming a suburban block.
• Orange seed capsules in autumn. The pods split to show glossy black seed against vivid orange, a genuine seasonal display.
• Evergreen and low maintenance. Dense foliage all year, nothing to rake up seasonally, and almost no pruning once the framework is set.
• Tough once established. Drought, humidity and salt tolerant, so it handles coastal blocks and dry inland summers.

Where it works best

Driveways and avenues. Plant 4m apart. The canopies meet overhead within several seasons, and the clean root system means you are not repairing concrete later.

Shade tree for a house block. A single tree 4m to 5m out from a north or west wall shades the hottest part of the house in summer.

Screening and feature planting. A row at 4m spacing screens a two storey outlook better than a hedge can.

Growing Australian Tulipwood in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the densest canopy in full sun. This is a tree for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so cool temperate and frost prone inland districts sit outside its range, and young trees there need winter protection.

Soil. Most soils with reasonable drainage, from coastal sand to improved clay. Dig the hole twice the width of the root ball and no deeper, then mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.

Water. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, which is what builds the drought tolerance the mature tree is known for. After that, water only in extended dry spells.

Feeding. A controlled release native fertiliser in early spring for the first three years. It is not a hungry tree.

Pruning. Formative only. Remove competing leaders early to establish a single trunk, and lift the lower branches gradually if you want to walk or park underneath.

What to expect when it arrives

Tulipwood is grown across a wide size range: tube, 140mm packs of ten, 200mm packs of six, 300mm pots, and 25L, 45L, 100L, 200L, 400L and 1000L for landscape work. Tube and 140mm trees are single stemmed whips and the sensible choice for an avenue, since they establish quickly. From 100L upward the trees carry a formed trunk and a developing canopy.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect little visible growth in the first season while roots develop, then steady progress. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Trees with non-invasive roots for planting near pipes
• Best trees for lining a driveway
• Browse Australian native trees
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Field-grown Australian Tulipwood Tree in specimen sizes

Common questions

How close can I plant it to the house or a driveway?

The root system is non-invasive, which is why it is used as a street tree. Even so, allow about 3m from a slab or wall so the canopy has room.

How fast does it grow?

Moderate. It puts its first year or two into roots, then makes steady height. With water through establishment, expect useful shade in five to seven years.

Will it grow in a cold or frosty area?

Not reliably. It handles light frost once mature but is best suited to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. In cold districts, choose a frost hardy tree.