Wollemi Pine

Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) is a living fossil, a conifer known only from fossils until it was found in 1994 in a remote gorge in the Blue Mountains. It grows as a narrow, upright tree with soft, dark green, fern-like foliage and unusual bubbly bark, and in gardens it typically reaches 10m to 15m over many years.

Why you'll love it

• A conversation starter. A conifer that dates back to the age of the dinosaurs and is critically endangered in the wild.
• Distinctive bubbly bark. The trunk is covered in rich brown, bubbly bark that looks like nothing else in the garden.
• Soft, glossy foliage. Branchlets are flat, soft and bright green, with new growth in a fresh lime tone.
• Great in large pots. It grows well in big containers, which keeps it smaller and easy to move.

Where it works best

Feature specimen. Plant as a lone feature tree in lawn or a courtyard, where the form can be seen.

Large pots and patios. A pot 60cm or wider holds a young tree for years, with a little extra pot size each repot.

Collector gardens. Plant 4m apart with other conifers and ferns for a prehistoric theme.

Growing Wollemi Pine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with a little shade for young plants in hot climates. It tolerates frost and heat once established and suits most Australian climates except the humid tropics.

Soil. Well drained, moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter. It does not like waterlogging or being left to dry out.

Water and feed. Water regularly, especially in summer and in pots. Feed lightly with a gentle, slow release fertiliser and mulch the root zone.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Remove dead branches only and let the tree develop its natural shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Wollemi Pine in 200mm pots in packs of 6, 300mm pots, 100 litre bags and 400 litre bags. The 100 litre and 400 litre bags are advanced and specimen stock, and they are heavy, so plan a planting position and help to move the tree. The smaller pots suit patios and a first collector's planting. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse conifers
• More Australian native trees
• Conifers: growing and maintaining
• Guide to rare Australian native plants

Common questions

How tall will it get?

In the wild it reaches 40m. In gardens expect about 10m to 15m over decades, and much less in a pot.

Does it need special soil?

It likes free draining soil with plenty of organic matter and regular moisture. Avoid soggy ground.

Is it frost hardy?

Established trees tolerate frost, though young plants appreciate a little protection.