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Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree

Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree

Deciduous · Full Sun

Mature size: 6m–8m high × 4m–6m wide

  • Deciduous
  • Full Sun
  • Mature height6m–8m
  • Mature width4m–6m
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Flowers

Produces masses of brilliant red flowers on a more compact tree, delivering the iconic Flame Tree display in smaller landscapes.

Regular price $170.00
Sale price $170.00 Regular price
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Pot size
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Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

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 must confirm 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.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$170.00

Height guide & disclaimer

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 must confirm 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.

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    About Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’

    Brachychiton x acerifolius 'Little Illawarra' is a compact form of the flame tree, bred to carry the scarlet flowering display on a small rounded canopy. Lobed green leaves cover the frame for most of the year, and the tree sheds much of that foliage before the red bells open in late spring.

    Full sun gives the heaviest flowering, and it accepts clay, loam or sand as long as water drains away. Established trees handle light to moderate frost and extended dry weather without fuss. Growth of 40 to 80 centimetres a year keeps it manageable, and pruning is rarely needed beyond shaping the young leader.

    Courtyards, small front gardens, streetscapes and narrow verges all suit it, and a row makes a workable avenue at about 3 metres apart. It will also carry in a large planter for several years. The appeal is a flame tree display in a space that could never hold the full sized species.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Little Illawarra Flame Tree

    What is the Little Illawarra Flame Tree?

    It is a compact hybrid selection of Brachychiton acerifolius, bred to give the scarlet bell flowers of the Illawarra Flame Tree on a much smaller tree. The canopy is rounded and dense and the leaves are lobed and glossy. It is an Australian native cultivar aimed at residential gardens and urban streetscapes.

    How big does Little Illawarra grow?

    It reaches about 4 to 6 metres tall with a canopy 3 to 4 metres wide, against 15 to 25 metres for the straight species. That puts it firmly in small tree territory, suitable for a front garden, a verge or a courtyard. The rounded habit means the width should be planned for as well as the height.

    Is it evergreen or deciduous?

    It is semi deciduous. Most of the foliage falls in late spring just before flowering, and in cold districts the tree can also thin out over winter, so it is best not treated as a year round screen. New leaves push through quickly once the flowers finish, and the canopy fills again by mid summer.

    When does it flower?

    Flowering runs from late spring into summer, generally November through to January. Clusters of scarlet bell shaped flowers open across the canopy, often on branches that have partly dropped their leaves, which is what makes the colour so strong. Warm dry spring weather brings on the heaviest display, and young trees flower early.

    Can it be grown in a pot?

    Yes, for a number of years. Use a container at least 60 centimetres across with a free draining potting mix and a position in full sun. Water regularly through summer and feed lightly in spring. Growth and eventual size will be smaller than a ground planted tree, and it will need repotting or planting out eventually.

    Is it frost tolerant?

    Once established it takes light to moderate frost, which is an improvement on the full sized Illawarra Flame Tree. Young trees are still vulnerable in their first winter or two and are worth protecting with frost cloth in cold districts. Choose a position where cold air drains away rather than pooling in a hollow.

    How do I care for Little Illawarra?

    Water deeply through the first two summers, then reduce to occasional soakings in dry weather. Mulch the root zone and keep the mulch off the trunk. Prune lightly in late winter to shape the canopy, and remove any competing leaders while the tree is young. A native fertiliser in early spring supports flowering.

    Key growing information
    Mature height6m to 8m
    Mature width4m to 6m
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year40cm to 80cm per year under suitable conditions
    FrostFrost Tolerant
    FoliageDeciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
    FormRounded · Compact
    UsesStreet Tree · Avenue Planting
    Foliage

    Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Rounded
    • Compact
    Use
    • Street Tree
    • Avenue Planting
    Mature height
    6m to 8m
    Mature width
    4m to 6m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little 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 x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little 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 x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year under suitable conditions.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    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 if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    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 scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree in Different Soil

    Brachychiton x 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.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Street Tree
    • Avenue Planting

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.

    Is Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 6m to 8m

    Mature Width: 4m to 6m

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year under suitable conditions.

    Growth Rate of Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year under suitable conditions.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree

    Is Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree frost tolerant?

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree Flower?

    Brachychiton × acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ produces masses of vibrant scarlet-red bell-shaped flowers during late spring and summer on mature trees. The blooms create a spectacular seasonal display against the foliage, bringing brilliant colour and strong ornamental impact to gardens and streetscapes.

    Does Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Bell-shaped

    Flower Colour:

    Red

    Is Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree is Native to Australian hybrid selection derived from Brachychiton acerifolius and related Brachychiton breeding lines.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree ?

    Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators throughout the flowering season, supporting biodiversity within native and ornamental landscapes. The branching canopy also provides valuable shelter and habitat for small birds and beneficial insects throughout the year.

    How much Sunlight does Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree need?

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Brachychiton × acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils and a range of general garden conditions provided drainage remains reliable. Avoid persistently wet or heavily compacted conditions unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can reduce root health and overall vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

    Is Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree Drought Tolerant?

    Is Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ – Little Illawarra Flame Tree Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it benefits from regular watering to establish a healthy root system, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Little Illawarra’ shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through extended dry periods with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How large does Little Illawarra grow?
    A: It typically reaches 6 to 8 metres tall, making it significantly smaller than the traditional Illawarra Flame Tree.

    Q: Does it produce the same red flowers as the standard Flame Tree?
    A: Yes, it produces the same spectacular scarlet-red flowering display on a more compact tree.

    Q: Is it drought tolerant?
    A: Yes, once established it performs very well with minimal supplementary watering.

    Q: Is it suitable for suburban gardens?
    A: Yes, its compact size makes it ideal for residential landscapes where larger Flame Trees would be unsuitable.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Brachychiton x acerifolius ‘Little Illawarra’ is loved for its Produces masses of brilliant red flowers on a more compact tree, delivering the iconic Flame Tree display in smaller landscapes.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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