BRACHYCHITON discolor (Lacebark)

Lacebark (Brachychiton discolor) is one of the finest large shade trees in the eastern Australian flora, offered here as an advanced ex ground specimen. In an open garden it settles near 12m tall and 7m wide, with a broad canopy, pale trunk and pink bell flowers carried on bare branches in early summer. Buying it at 6m or 7m means you plant shade rather than wait a decade for it.

Why you'll love it

• Real shade, immediately. These are field grown trees of 6m to 7m, so the canopy is doing its job the season you plant it.
• Pink bells on bare wood. It sheds its leaves briefly in early summer and flowers on the naked branches, which is the display it is known for.
• A native that feeds wildlife. Lorikeets and honeyeaters take the nectar, and bees work the flowers heavily.
• Tough once away. Drought tolerant, wind firm and comfortable in humidity, with a stout trunk that stands up to summer storms.

Where it works best

Shade trees. This is its main job. Give it a lawn, a paddock corner or a large back garden with at least 7m of clear width, well away from the house.

Driveways and avenues. Spaced 8m to 10m apart it makes a serious avenue on an acreage entry, with room to drive and mow beneath.

Feature planting. The trunk thickens into a distinctive bottle shape with age, so one tree on a front lawn carries a property on its own.

Growing lacebark in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in a tropical, subtropical or warm temperate garden. It takes light frost once established but not repeated hard frost, so cold inland districts and cool southern gardens sit outside its range.

Soil. Deep free draining soil suits it best and it will not tolerate a waterlogged site. Break up the sides of the planting hole on clay, backfill with the native soil, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. An advanced tree needs deep slow watering twice a week through its first two summers, then it becomes genuinely drought tolerant. Native fertiliser in early spring for the first few years is enough.

Pruning. Little is needed beyond removing crossing or damaged limbs while the tree is young. Lift the lower branches gradually if you want clearance underneath, and leave the leader alone.

What to expect when it arrives

This tree is offered ex ground at 6m and 7m, lifted from the growing field to order rather than held in stock. Allow time for lifting, root preparation and transport, and plan site access before you order. Machinery and a crew are needed at your end, so have the hole ready on the day.

Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost and delivered Australia wide, with specialist transport quoted for a tree this size. Expect some leaf loss and a quiet first season while the root system re-establishes, which is normal for a field grown tree. 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 other Australian native trees.
• Read about canopy trees that create real shade.
• See our picks for lining a driveway.

Common questions

Does it lose its leaves?

Yes, briefly. It drops its foliage in late spring or early summer, flowers on the bare branches, then refoliates quickly. It is bare for weeks, not months.

How big does it really get?

In rainforest it can reach 30m, but in an open garden it settles near 12m tall and 7m wide. Give it that room and it will not outgrow the space.

Will the roots damage paving or pipes?

It is a large tree with a substantial root plate, so keep it at least 8m from a house, paving or services. In open ground it causes no trouble.

How is a tree this size planted?

With machinery. You need clear access for a truck and a bobcat or crane, a hole prepared in advance, and staking for the first two years while the roots anchor.