Brachychiton acerifolius - Evergreen Trees Direct

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Load video: Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

$170.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 100L 200L 300L 400L 700L 1000L 2000L

Current Stock Height Guides

45L: 1.2m –2.7m Approx.
100L: 2m – 3.m Approx.
700L: 4m - 4.5m Approx.
2000L: 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: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 5m to 10m

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

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)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

Brachychiton acerifolius, the Illawarra Flame Tree, is a large Australian native with a straight trunk and a broad crown of glossy lobed leaves. In warmer summers it sheds much of that foliage and clothes the bare branches in scarlet bell flowers, which is the display the tree is known for.

It grows best in full sun on deep, free draining soil and suits warm temperate and subtropical gardens through coastal New South Wales and Queensland. Young trees need protection from frost, although established specimens take light frosts in their stride. Growth is around 50 to 100 centimetres a year, and mature trees are notably drought hardy.

The scale suits parks, rural properties, large gardens and civic landscapes, and it works as an avenue or street tree where the canopy has room. Allow 3 to 4 metres between trees for avenue work, more for a specimen. Buyers choose it for a summer flowering event that no other shade tree in the catalogue matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Illawarra Flame Tree

What is the Illawarra Flame Tree?

Brachychiton acerifolius is an Australian native tree from the rainforest margins of the east coast, in the family Malvaceae. It is grown for the mass of scarlet bell shaped flowers it carries in early summer, usually on bare or half bare branches. The leaves are glossy and deeply lobed, and older trees develop a thick, buttressed trunk.

How big does Brachychiton acerifolius grow?

In good ground it reaches 15 to 25 metres tall with a crown 8 to 12 metres across, so it is a tree for open space rather than a courtyard. Growth in cultivation is often slower and shorter than in habitat, but the mature footprint should still be planned for. Compact hybrids are available where the room is not there.

Is it evergreen or deciduous?

It is best described as semi deciduous. In most seasons it drops the majority of its leaves in late spring, flowers on the bare framework, then pushes new foliage straight afterwards. In warm frost free gardens the leaf drop can be partial and brief. In cooler districts the tree can stand bare for several weeks.

When does it flower?

Flowering runs from late spring into early summer, generally November through to January depending on the season and district. The display is triggered by warm dry conditions, so it is heavier in some years than others, and young trees often take several years before their first real flush. Flowers are followed by boat shaped seed pods.

Is it frost tolerant?

Only moderately. Established trees cope with light frosts, but young stock is easily damaged by hard or repeated frost and should be protected through its first few winters. It is a warm climate tree by origin, so cold inland sites with heavy frost are not its natural fit. Plant where cold air drains away rather than settling.

Does it have invasive roots?

The root system is not regarded as aggressive. Trees develop a thick tuberous taproot when young and a spreading anchoring system as they mature, and they are not known for lifting paving or entering drains. Even so, the trunk thickens considerably with age, so allow several metres of clearance from kerbs, footings and services.

How do I care for an Illawarra Flame Tree?

Water deeply through the first two summers to establish the root system, then it needs little supplementary water. Mulch out to the drip line and keep the mulch off the trunk. Prune only to remove damaged wood or to lift the canopy while the tree is young. A light application of a native fertiliser in spring is enough.

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

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

From $45.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

From $170.00

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

From $340.00

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

From $230.00

Liguleria Reniformis - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Structural Foliage

Ligularia reniformis

$55.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

From $170.00

Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Rural Property Planting
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes
Street Tree

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) Evergreen or Deciduous?

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is an Semi Deciduous Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 5m to 10m

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

Is Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) frost tolerant?

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) Flower?

Brachychiton acerifolius produces masses of brilliant scarlet bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, often appearing on bare branches before the new leaves. These spectacular blooms create a dramatic, flame-red display that makes the tree one of Australia’s most iconic flowering species.

Does Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped

Flower Colour:

Red

Is Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is Native to Eastern Australia, from the Illawarra region of New South Wales north into Queensland, where it grows in coastal rainforests and along river valleys.

What is the Wildlife Value of Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) ?

Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, lorikeets, butterflies and native bees, while the dense canopy offers shelter for small birds. The seed pods also provide habitat and food for insects, contributing to a biodiverse and resilient garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) need?

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Brachychiton acerifolius performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained ground unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the tree matures and shows its characteristic high drought resilience.

Is Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) Drought Tolerant?

Is Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it benefits from regular watering, but once established Brachychiton acerifolius develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and maintains its strong structure and seasonal performance with minimal supplementary watering.

youtube

How To Plant Your Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

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 Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

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.

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

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: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

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

Planting Your Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) in Different Soil

Brachychiton acerifolius performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

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

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

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect the red blooms? The vibrant scarlet flowers typically emerge in late spring to early summer.
How can I enhance its flowering? Keeping it in full sun and ensuring good soil health can boost its flowering potential.
Is it suitable for smaller gardens? Given its height and spread, it's more suitable for larger garden spaces.