{"product_id":"leopard-tree-libidibia-ferrea","title":"Leopard Tree - Libidibia ferrea","description":"\u003cp\u003eLeopard Tree (\u003cem\u003eLibidibia ferrea\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fast growing feature tree for acreage and large gardens, reaching up to 20m. Its smooth, cream coloured bark is dappled like a leopard's coat, fern like leaves cast light shade, and yellow flowers open from late spring into summer. It needs room, so choose its position for the size it will be, not the size it is now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBark with character.\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth, cream coloured bark is dappled, which keeps the trunk interesting through the year, flower or no flower.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight, ferny shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fern like leaves filter the sun instead of blocking it, which suits underplanting with shade loving foliage plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast growing.\u003c\/strong\u003e It puts on height quickly, so shade arrives sooner than with slower canopy trees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYellow flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clusters of yellow flowers appear from late spring into summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought tolerant.\u003c\/strong\u003e Established trees cope with dry spells, which suits large properties where watering is limited.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcreage and large gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant it as a specimen on open ground, at least 8m from buildings, pipes and driveways, with room for a broad canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShade for open space.\u003c\/strong\u003e Place it on the sunny side of a yard or seating area to create dappled shade as it matures, and underplant with foliage plants for colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e The bark is the feature, so give it a clear apron of lawn or gravel where the trunk can be seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Leopard Tree in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade, away from underground pipes, foundations and driveways. It prefers warm climates, so tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it best. It will come through a light overnight frost once mature, but young trees need protection. Expect some leaf drop in late winter, because it is semi deciduous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Well drained soil is the main requirement. Mulch the root zone, keeping the mulch clear of the trunk. Surface roots can lift paving, so keep it off slabs and paths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then it copes with dry weather. A slow release fertiliser in spring helps a young tree get away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune while the tree is young to build a tidy habit: remove crossing and low branches and keep a clear trunk. Mature trees need little attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Leopard Tree as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A tube is a small plant, so expect to wait a few years before it throws real shade. Plant it out soon after arrival in a spot chosen for its final size, mulch it, and water it regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/feature-trees\"\u003eBrowse more feature trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fast-growing-shade-trees\"\u003eOther fast growing shade trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/the-best-canopy-trees-to-create-shade\"\u003eThe best shade trees for Australian gardens\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/shade-trees-that-cut-cooling-bills-australia\"\u003eWhere to place shade trees around a house\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big does a leopard tree get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUp to 20m tall, with a broad canopy to match. It is a tree for acreage and large gardens, not for small suburban blocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far from the house should I plant it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell clear. Keep it away from underground pipes, foundations and driveways, and allow at least 8m, because surface roots can lift paving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it grow in a cooler climate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt prefers warm climates. A mature tree will come through a light overnight frost, but young trees need protection, and in colder districts it may struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67787265573183,"sku":"LIB-FER-tube","price":10.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/leopard-tree-libidibia-ferrea.jpg?v=1792154811","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/leopard-tree-libidibia-ferrea","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}