Brachychiton rupestris - Bottle Tree - Evergreen Trees Direct

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

$760.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Title: 100L

100L 400L 1000L - Option A - 3m - 5.5m trunk 1000L - Option B - 3m - 5.5m trunk 1000L - Option C - 3m - 5.5m trunk 2000L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

200L: 2.5m – 3.5m Approx.
400L: 2.8m – 3.7m Approx.
1000L: Enquire within for height guide information.
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 - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: 4m – 6m

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

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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Shipping Cost

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

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically At Checkout

About Your New Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

Brachychiton rupestris, the Queensland Bottle Tree, is one of the most distinctive trees in cultivation, instantly recognised by its dramatically swollen bottle-shaped trunk. The trunk stores water, giving the tree exceptional drought tolerance and a bold sculptural presence.

Bottle Tree grows slowly to 10-15 metres tall and 5-8 metres wide, with the characteristic trunk swelling developing gradually over many years. The narrow deep green leaves and upright open canopy contrast beautifully with the broad trunk, suiting feature positions in dry-climate gardens, civic landscapes, and rural properties.

Bottle Tree is extremely drought tolerant once established and thrives across QLD, NSW, VIC and SA in full sun with well-drained soil. Its non-aggressive habit makes it safe to use near paving and structures. Clusters of yellow-green bell-shaped flowers appear in early summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

How tall does the Bottle Tree grow?

Brachychiton rupestris grows to 10-15 metres tall and 5-8 metres wide, with the distinctive swollen bottle-shaped trunk developing over many years.

How fast does the Bottle Tree grow?

The Bottle Tree is slow to moderate growing, adding 20-40cm per year. The characteristic trunk swelling develops gradually with age.

Why does the Bottle Tree have a swollen trunk?

The thick bottle-shaped trunk acts as a water reservoir, storing moisture that allows the tree to survive extended dry periods. This adaptation makes it exceptionally drought hardy.

Is the Bottle Tree an Australian native?

Yes. Brachychiton rupestris is native to inland Queensland, where it is an iconic feature of the dry landscape.

Is the Bottle Tree suitable for gardens?

Yes. The Bottle Tree is a striking sculptural feature tree for gardens, courtyards, and urban landscapes, and its non-aggressive habit makes it suitable near paving and structures.

Is the Bottle Tree drought tolerant?

Yes. The Bottle Tree is extremely drought tolerant once established thanks to its water-storing trunk, and thrives in hot dry climates with minimal water.

Where does the Bottle Tree grow best in Australia?

The Bottle Tree thrives across most of Australia, particularly in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. It tolerates frost once established and prefers full sun with well-drained soil.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

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

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree works in an:

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

Is Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree Evergreen or Deciduous?

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: 4m – 6m

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Growth Rate of Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

Is Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree frost tolerant?

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree Flower?

Brachychiton rupestris produces clusters of small, creamy-white to pale-yellow bell-shaped flowers in summer. While more modest than some hybrids, these blooms create a soft seasonal highlight before developing into woody seed pods.

Does Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped

Flower Colour:

Cream

Is Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is Native to Native to central and southern Queensland, where it grows naturally in semi-arid woodlands and grasslands.

What is the Wildlife Value of Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree ?

Its flowers attract native bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, while the dense canopy and thick trunk provide shelter for small birds and wildlife. The woody seed pods also support insects and seed-eating species, contributing to a resilient and biodiverse ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree need?

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Brachychiton rupestris performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can become stressed in heavy clay or poorly drained soil unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures and develops outstanding drought resilience.

Is Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree Drought Tolerant?

Is Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it benefits from regular watering, but once established Brachychiton rupestris develops exceptional drought tolerance. Its distinctive swollen trunk stores water, enabling it to thrive in hot, arid and low-maintenance landscapes with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

How to Plant Brachychiton rupestris

Location Choice: Select a sunny spot with good drainage.
Soil Prep: Though adaptable to various soils, a well-draining mix is ideal.
Hole Dimensions: Roughly twice the diameter of the root ball.
Planting: Set the tree in the hole, ensuring it's straight, then fill with soil and press down gently.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and frequently during its initial growing phase.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable – wide trunk and open crown

Feature Tree: 6 m – 8 m – Allow space to highlight its iconic bottle-shaped trunk

Avenue Planting Trees: 8 m – 10 m – Striking silhouette when evenly spaced

Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree

Caring for Brachychiton rupestris

Watering: Limited watering is needed once established.
Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
Pruning: Rarely required; can trim to maintain desired shape or health.

Planting Your Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree in Different Soil

Optimizing Soil for Distinctive Trunk Formation and Drought Tolerance

Ideal Drainage: Brachychiton rupestris does best in well-drained, sandy soil.

Well-Draining Soil: Excellent for supporting the tree’s unique water-storing trunk.

If you have the following soil, here are some tips for you:

Sandy Soil: Naturally perfect, providing the drainage this tree prefers. Supplement with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support growth without overdoing moisture retention.
Clay Soil: Generally unsuitable without significant modification. Amend heavily with sand and compost to improve drainage.
Loamy Soil: Ensure it is not too compact or moisture-retentive. Amend with sand if necessary to improve drainage.
Peaty Soil: Typically too moisture-retentive; adjust with coarse sand or gravel to enhance drainage and suit the tree’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What contributes to the Bottle Tree's distinct shape? The tree's swollen trunk stores water, assisting it in surviving droughts and giving it its unique bottle-like appearance.
Are Bottle Trees suitable for urban planting? Yes, due to their drought resistance and captivating shape, they are popular choices for urban and street plantings.
Do they require any specific soil type? They are adaptable to a variety of soils but prefer well-draining ground.