Araucaria columnaris - Evergreen Trees Direct

Araucaria columnaris

$150.00

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Size: 30cm

30cm 40cm/45L 300L 400L 1000L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 2.1m - 2.9m Approx.
300L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 20m to 25m

Mature Width: 4m to 6m

Araucaria columnaris is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year.

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Araucaria columnaris

Araucaria columnaris, the Cook Pine, is a narrow evergreen conifer from New Caledonia. Short needle-like foliage is held in dense horizontal tiers around a slender, almost telegraph-pole trunk, giving a strict columnar outline. Mature trees lean consistently toward the equator, an odd habit that makes an established row instantly recognisable.

It reaches 20 to 25 metres tall and only 4 to 6 metres wide, growing 40 to 70 centimetres a year. Full sun, free draining sandy soil and open exposure suit it, and it shrugs off salt spray and strong coastal wind. It is frost sensitive, so it belongs in frost-free coastal, subtropical and tropical districts.

The vertical form makes it a natural choice for avenue planting, civic and resort landscapes, and feature positions where a strong upright line is wanted. It casts a narrow shadow, so it can be used close to paths and buildings. Allow 3 metres for an avenue and 3 to 4 metres for freestanding specimens.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Cook Pine

What is Araucaria columnaris?

Araucaria columnaris, the Cook Pine, is an evergreen conifer from New Caledonia in the family Araucariaceae. It has a strongly columnar habit, with short needle-like foliage arranged in dense tiers along horizontal branches. Being a conifer it produces cones rather than flowers, and it holds its foliage all year.

How big does Cook Pine grow?

It reaches 20 to 25 metres tall with a spread of only 4 to 6 metres, so it takes up very little ground area for its height. That narrow footprint is the reason it is used in tight avenues and courtyards. Give it room above rather than beside, and keep it clear of overhead services.

How fast does Cook Pine grow?

It grows around 40 to 70 centimetres a year in warm coastal conditions, which is fast for a conifer. Growth slows in cold or dry inland positions. Advanced stock in larger containers already carries the tiered branching that gives the tree its character, so the effect is immediate rather than something to wait for.

Is Cook Pine suitable for coastal positions?

It is one of the better conifers for exposed coastal sites. It tolerates salt spray, sandy soil and constant onshore wind, and holds its symmetrical form where broadleaf trees become wind-shorn. It is widely planted along foreshores and around resorts in northern Australia for exactly that reason.

Is Cook Pine frost tolerant?

No. It is frost sensitive and best kept to frost-free positions. Young trees can be killed outright by a hard frost, and even established trees show foliage burn after cold nights. In marginal districts, plant it in a sheltered courtyard with warmth radiating from nearby walls, or choose a hardier conifer instead.

Does Cook Pine have invasive roots?

Its roots are not aggressive in the way that figs or willows are, but a tree of this height develops a substantial anchoring system. Allow at least 3 to 4 metres between the trunk and any slab, wall or pipe run. On sandy coastal soils the surface roots spread wider in search of moisture.

How do I care for Cook Pine?

Water regularly for the first two years while the root system establishes, then it needs very little. Do not prune the leader, since the tree will not replace it and the shape is lost permanently. Remove only dead lower branches. A light application of complete fertiliser in spring is enough on poor sandy soils.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes
Shade Tree

Araucaria columnaris works in an:

Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Araucaria columnaris Evergreen or Deciduous?

Araucaria columnaris is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 20m to 25m

Mature Width: 4m to 6m

Araucaria columnaris is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year.

Growth Rate of Araucaria columnaris

Araucaria columnaris is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Araucaria columnaris

Is Araucaria columnaris frost tolerant?

Araucaria columnaris is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Araucaria columnaris Flower?

Araucaria columnaris produces very small and inconspicuous reproductive structures rather than true showy flowers. These tiny male and female cones sit high along the branches and form part of its natural seasonal cycle without creating a visible floral display.

Does Araucaria columnaris flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Not Applicable

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Araucaria columnaris an Australian Native Tree?

No

Araucaria columnaris is Native to New Caledonia, where it grows naturally along coastal areas and rocky slopes.

What is the Wildlife Value of Araucaria columnaris ?

Its dense, symmetrical structure provides excellent shelter and perching sites for small birds, while its cones support insects and cone-feeding species. The tall, narrow canopy also creates valuable vertical habitat that enhances biodiversity in coastal and large landscape settings.

How much Sunlight does Araucaria columnaris need?

Araucaria columnaris will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Araucaria columnaris performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it matures and develops moderate drought resilience.

Is Araucaria columnaris Drought Tolerant?

Is Araucaria columnaris Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Araucaria columnaris develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably in coastal and dry conditions, maintaining its strong columnar form with deep, occasional watering during extended heat.

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How To Plant Your Araucaria columnaris

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Araucaria columnaris

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Araucaria columnaris is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Araucaria columnaris

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Araucaria columnaris in Different Soil

Araucaria columnaris performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.