Tuart

Tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) is Western Australia's great coastal shade tree, and in garden conditions it makes a broad canopy around 15m tall and 10m wide. Rough pale bark, dark glossy leaves and heavy cream flowers that hum with bees and honeyeaters. What sets it apart is where it will grow: limestone, coastal sand, salt wind and long dry summers are the conditions it evolved for.

Why you'll love it

• Shade with substance. A spreading 10m canopy cools a yard, a paddock corner or a driveway in a way no small tree can.
• It thrives on the worst soil. Limestone, coastal sand and poor ground suit it, where other trees simply fail.
• Salt and wind are not a problem. Exposed coastal blocks and windy paddocks are its natural home.
• A working wildlife tree. Cream flowers feed bees, butterflies and nectar birds.

Where it works best

Shade trees and large gardens. This is a big tree. Give it at least 10m of clear space and keep it well away from the house, paving and services.

Windbreaks and rural planting. Space trees 8m to 10m apart in a row, or stagger a double row to filter wind across an exposed block rather than block it.

Coastal gardens and avenues. Salt tolerance makes it one of the few large shade trees for front line coastal sites.

Growing Tuart in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and open ground. It belongs in Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid or semi-arid gardens, which covers most of southern and inland Australia. It takes light frost only, so severe frost country is not for it, and it dislikes humid tropical summers.

Soil. Sandy, limestone and alkaline soils are ideal. The one real requirement is drainage, so avoid ground that stays wet after rain.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first two summers to get the roots down, then it needs nothing in most seasons. Feeding is rarely necessary, and only a native fertiliser low in phosphorus is worth using.

Pruning. Formative pruning in the first few years sets a strong single leader and lifts the canopy for clearance. After that, leave it alone apart from removing damaged limbs.

What to expect when it arrives

Two sizes are grown, 30L and 90L. A 30L tree is a young sapling, usually one to two metres tall, and it establishes fastest because the root system has less to recover from. A 90L tree gives you a head start with a formed trunk and more immediate presence. Either way it is slow to moderate growing early, then accelerates once the roots are away.

Stake young trees for the first two years on an exposed site and water deeply rather than often. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native trees
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Compare plants for windbreaks
• Plants for coastal and salt exposed gardens

Common questions

How big does it actually get?

Around 15m tall and 10m wide in garden conditions. On the Swan Coastal Plain, in deep sand with room to run, mature trees reach 40m, so plan for a large tree rather than a medium one.

How far from the house should I plant it?

At least 10m to 15m, further if you can. That keeps the mature canopy, the leaf litter and the root zone clear of the roof, paving and drains.

Will it grow outside Western Australia?

Yes, anywhere with a Mediterranean, warm temperate or arid climate and free draining soil, which includes much of South Australia, western Victoria and inland New South Wales.

Is it suitable for a suburban backyard?

Only a large one. On a standard block the canopy will dominate the garden within fifteen years, so choose a smaller shade tree unless you have the room.