RHODOSPHAERA rhodanthema (Deep Yellow Wood)

Deep Yellow Wood (Rhodosphaera rhodanthema) is an Australian rainforest tree that makes a shapely garden shade tree at around 10m tall and 6m wide. It carries glossy compound foliage on a naturally rounded canopy, with sprays of small pink flowers in spring followed by red brown fruit that birds work through. Bought ex ground at 4.5m and up, it delivers the presence of a mature tree on day one.

Why you'll love it

• A native shade tree with real form. The canopy rounds out on its own to about 6m across, shading a lawn or courtyard without any shaping.
• Well behaved in a garden. It reaches 20m in rainforest but typically settles between 8m and 12m in cultivation.
• Birds use it. The spring flowers and the fruit that follows bring native birds into the canopy.
• Handles humidity and wind. Warm humid summers suit it, and it copes with exposure better than most rainforest species.

Where it works best

Shade tree. The best use for it. Expect useful shade within four to five years from an advanced tree.

Feature planting. A single specimen on a lawn shows the rounded habit and the flush of bronze new growth at its best.

Driveways and avenues. Space trees 8m to 10m apart along a drive so the canopies just touch at maturity rather than crowding into one another.

Growing Deep Yellow Wood in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun once established, with shelter helping while it is young. This is a tree for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so cold inland districts, the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens are not suitable.

Soil. Deep, well drained soil with organic matter through it, in keeping with its rainforest origins. On heavy clay, break the base of the hole and plant slightly proud so water moves away from the root ball.

Water and feed. Ex ground trees need consistent water for the first two summers while the root system rebuilds, not occasional flooding. Feed with a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring, and mulch 75mm deep out to the drip line, clear of the trunk.

Pruning and handling. Very little pruning is needed beyond removing crossing limbs while young. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning.

What to expect when it arrives

This is ex ground stock, field grown and lifted with a root ball, offered at 4.5m to 5m, 5.5m to 6m and 6m to 6.5m. All three sizes are currently on backorder and supply follows the lifting season, so plan the planting date around availability. A tree this size needs machinery and at least two people on site.

Expect leaf drop and a still first season while the roots recover, which is normal for a field grown tree and not a fault. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with advanced and large stock freighted at cost. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Transplanting trees and shrubs the right way
• Browse the full ex ground tree range
• Compare more Australian native trees
• See other advanced trees for instant height

Common questions

Is it deciduous?

Not really. It is best described as evergreen to semi deciduous, holding most of its foliage year round and shedding some in a cold or dry spell. Do not plant it expecting a bare winter canopy.

How close to the house can I plant it?

Allow at least 5m, ideally more, to give the 6m canopy room and keep leaf litter off the roof.

How fast does it grow?

Slowly, which is part of the appeal in a garden setting. Expect around 30cm of height a year once established, quicker through warm humid seasons, which is why buying at advanced size is worth it.

What does ex ground mean?

The tree is grown in a field rather than a pot, then lifted with a root ball at the right time of year. You get far more size for the money, but it needs attentive watering and staking through its first two summers.