BRACHYCHITON acerifolius x bidwillii (Red Robin) grafted

Red Robin (Brachychiton acerifolius x bidwillii 'Red Robin') is the flame tree scaled down for a suburban block. It settles at around 5m tall and 3m wide, a fraction of a true flame tree, and it carries the same scarlet bell flowers on bare branches in early summer. Because it is grafted it flowers young rather than making you wait the better part of a decade.

Why you'll love it

• Flame tree colour, small tree size. At 5m by 3m it fits a front garden or a courtyard where the parent species would be a mistake.
• It flowers years earlier. Grafted from mature flowering wood, so you see scarlet bells within a few seasons rather than after ten.
• Non-invasive roots. The root system stays well behaved, which makes it one of the safer flowering trees near paving and services.
• Tough through heat and drought. It handles heat, wind and dry spells once established, and suits arid gardens as well as coastal ones.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One tree in a lawn or a front garden is the classic use. The bare branch flowering is a set piece for a few weeks each summer.

Small gardens. Its modest canopy and tidy roots suit a courtyard or a townhouse block where a shade tree would overwhelm the space.

Driveways and pots. Spaced 5m to 6m apart it lines a driveway without crowding. A large container also works, though a potted tree stays smaller and needs regular water.

Growing Red Robin in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, and the more of it the better the flowering. It is at home in tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and arid gardens. It takes light frost once established, so hard frosting inland districts and cold southern gardens are not suited.

Soil. Free draining soil of almost any type. It resents wet feet, so plant on a raised mound in clay, backfill with the native soil and mulch 75mm deep clear of the graft union.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then only in extended dry spells. A low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring is enough, and heavy feeding gives you leaves at the expense of flowers.

Pruning. Shape it while young and otherwise leave it alone. Remove any shoots below the graft as soon as you see them, because rootstock growth will take the tree over if it is left.

What to expect when it arrives

This is an ex ground tree at 4.5m to 5m, lifted from the growing field to order rather than held in stock. Allow time for lifting, root preparation and transport, and have the hole dug and machine access clear before delivery day. It will need staking for two years.

Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost and delivered Australia wide, with specialist transport quoted for a tree this size. Expect leaf loss and a quiet first season while the roots re-establish, which is normal for field grown stock. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the wider ex ground advanced tree range.
• Compare small trees for urban gardens.
• See trees with non-invasive roots for planting near paving.
• Read about choosing a feature tree for a front garden.

Common questions

How soon will it flower?

Grafted trees flower far earlier than seedlings, usually within two or three seasons of planting at this size. Flowering is heaviest after a warm dry spring.

Does it lose its leaves?

Yes, briefly in early summer. It drops its foliage, flowers on the bare wood, then refoliates within weeks. It is bare for a short window, not a season.

Will the roots lift paving?

The roots are non-invasive, so it is a reasonable choice near a path or driveway. Leave 2m of clearance from hard surfaces as sensible practice.

Can I grow it in a large pot?

Yes, in a container 600mm or wider with good drainage. Expect a smaller tree, and water it consistently through summer because a potted brachychiton dries out fast.