Swamp Box

Swamp Box (Lophostemon suaveolens) is the shade tree for the part of the block that stays wet. In a suburban garden it settles at around 12m tall and 6m wide, growing fast enough to throw useful shade within a few seasons, and its roots handle the periods of waterlogging that would kill most trees of this size. Cream flowers through the warmer months bring in honeyeaters, native bees and butterflies.

Why you'll love it

• It tolerates wet feet. Low corners, drainage lines and heavy soils that stay soggy after storms all suit it, which is rare in a tree of this scale.
• Fast shade. Growth is quick for a native hardwood, so a 45L tree begins to cover a lawn or driveway in its first few years.
• It feeds wildlife. The white and cream flowers are worked hard by birds, native bees and butterflies through summer.
• Tough once away. Salt, wind, humidity and dry spells are all handled, so coastal and exposed blocks are no obstacle.

Where it works best

Shade tree. One tree over a lawn or an entertaining area gives a broad canopy roughly 6m across. Keep it at least 5m from the house and away from services.

Screening and windbreaks. Plant 4m apart for a tall screen. On an open or coastal boundary a staggered double row at that spacing filters wind rather than blocking it, which is what an exposed site needs.

Driveways and avenues. Matched trees at about 8m centres give a clean canopy line with room for each crown.

Growing Swamp Box in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun produces the best shape and the densest canopy. 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 outside its range.

Soil. Genuinely adaptable. It grows in heavy clay, sandy coastal ground and beds that flood after heavy rain. Dig the hole twice the width of the pot, backfill with the soil you removed, and mulch 75mm deep kept clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then it largely looks after itself. A slow release native fertiliser in early spring is all the feeding it asks for.

Pruning. Lift the lower branches over the first few years if you want clearance for mowing or parking. Beyond that the natural canopy shape needs no help.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown from 200mm packs of six through to 200L. The 200mm and 300mm plants are young single stemmed trees and the value choice for a long screen or windbreak. From 25L and 45L upwards you are buying a formed trunk and a real canopy, and the 100L and 200L sizes are the pick for immediate shade.

Trees are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet month after planting, then strong growth through the first warm season. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to choose a canopy tree for shade
• Browse the Australian native tree range
• Compare fast growing shade trees
• Planting into a waterlogged garden bed

Common questions

How big does Swamp Box actually get?

Around 12m tall and 6m wide is the usual suburban result. In its natural habitat it can pass 25m, so give it space and keep it clear of the house.

Will it cope with a spot that floods?

Yes, and that is its strongest card. It grows naturally in low lying ground that goes under after heavy rain. Permanent standing water is still too much for it.

Is it suitable for a cold garden?

Only light frost is tolerated. It belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. In cold inland or southern districts choose a frost hardy shade tree instead.