Flindersia pimenteliana (Rose Silkwood)

Rose Silkwood (Flindersia pimenteliana) is an Australian rainforest tree most gardeners have never been offered, and these are field grown specimens already 4.5m or more. In a cultivated garden it settles at around 10m tall and 5m wide, with an upright canopy of glossy compound leaves and clusters of small white flowers. It is a serious feature tree for a warm climate garden.

Why you'll love it

• Instant maturity. At 4.5m to 7m, the garden reads as established on the day it is planted rather than in fifteen years.
• An Australian native, rarely offered. Native to the eastern Australian rainforests and almost never available as an advanced specimen.
• Birds work the flowers. The white flower clusters bring native birds into the canopy, and woody seed capsules follow.
• Handles humidity and wind. Humidity tolerant and wind tolerant, which suits coastal and hinterland gardens.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it open ground and let it stand alone. At this size it anchors a garden, carrying a front entrance or a central lawn.

Shade trees. The canopy is dense enough to shade a courtyard or pool surround while letting filtered light through to plantings underneath.

Driveways and avenues. Space them 6m to 8m apart so each keeps its full 5m spread.

Growing Rose Silkwood in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, in practice the eastern seaboard from around Sydney north plus frost free coastal pockets. It is frost tender, so cold inland districts, the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens are out, and even in a mild area keep a young tree clear of frost hollows.

Soil. Deep, rich, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and work compost through the backfill. Do not let the root ball sit in a clay bowl that holds water.

Water and feed. A tree of this size needs consistent water for its first two years while it rebuilds a root system. Deep soak two to three times a week through the first summer, then weekly. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer.

Pruning. Minimal. Remove damaged wood and any competing leader in the first few years to keep a single clean trunk, then leave the canopy alone.

What to expect when it arrives

These are ex ground trees, available at 4.5m to 5m and 6m to 7m, arriving with the trunk calliper and canopy of a mature specimen.

Be prepared for the reality of transplanting at this size. Expect some leaf drop and a full season of quiet establishment before real growth, and plan for machinery access, staking and a genuine watering routine. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, delivered Australia wide, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full ex ground tree range
• How to transplant and establish an advanced tree
• Compare Australian native trees
• Trees for driveways and avenues

Common questions

How tall will it actually grow?

In far north Queensland rainforest it reaches 30m or more, but in a cultivated garden with limited root run it stays around 10m tall and 5m wide.

What does ex ground mean?

The tree was grown in the ground on a farm and lifted with its root ball wrapped, rather than raised in a pot. Ex ground trees give far more size for the money, and in exchange need careful planting and a longer establishment period.

How long before it starts growing again?

Allow twelve to twenty four months. The tree spends its first year replacing the roots lost when it was lifted, so keep the water up and expect visible new growth in the second season.