Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

$230.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm

40cm 100L 200L 400L 1000L

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

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm: Contact for current height guide.
100L: Contact for current height guide.
200L: Contact for current height guide.
400L: Contact for current height guide.
1000L: Contact for current height guide.

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: 8–12 metres

Mature Width: 4–6 metres

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is expected to grow 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

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Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

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

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About Your New Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

Buckinghamia celsissima, commonly known as the Ivory Curl Tree, is a striking Australian native evergreen tree valued for its dramatic cream curled flower spikes that cascade through summer and autumn. Native to the Atherton Tablelands rainforest in tropical north Queensland, it has become one of the most reliable and ornamentally rewarding feature trees for warm climate gardens.

It performs best in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil, tolerating coastal exposure, periods of drought and warm humid conditions once established. The glossy dark green foliage provides year-round structure, while the dense fragrant flower display attracts honeyeaters, lorikeets and other nectar-feeding birds in significant numbers.

As a feature, street and shade tree in subtropical, coastal and warm temperate gardens, in avenue plantings, screens and large residential blocks, Buckinghamia celsissima brings architectural presence, native wildlife value and one of the most distinctive flowering displays of any Australian tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

How tall does Buckinghamia celsissima grow?

Buckinghamia celsissima generally reaches 8 to 12 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide in cultivation, forming a dense rounded canopy. In its native rainforest habitat it can grow considerably taller, but garden specimens remain in this manageable feature-tree range.

When does Buckinghamia celsissima flower?

Buckinghamia celsissima flowers through summer and autumn, producing long cream curled flower spikes that drape elegantly from the canopy. The display can last six to eight weeks at peak and provides one of the most distinctive flowering shows of any Australian native tree.

Where should I plant Buckinghamia celsissima?

Buckinghamia celsissima grows best in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil. It suits subtropical, coastal and warm temperate gardens, performing well as a street tree, feature tree, avenue planting or shade tree. Avoid heavy frost-prone inland sites, particularly in the first few years.

Does Buckinghamia celsissima attract wildlife?

Yes. The cream flower spikes of Buckinghamia celsissima are highly attractive to honeyeaters, lorikeets and other nectar-feeding birds, along with native bees and butterflies. The dense evergreen canopy also provides shelter and nesting habitat for small native birds.

Is Buckinghamia celsissima frost tolerant?

Buckinghamia celsissima handles light frost once well established but is frost-sensitive in its first few years. In cooler districts, plant in a sheltered position protected from direct frost, and consider light frost cover through early winters until the tree is fully established.

Is Buckinghamia celsissima drought tolerant?

Yes. Once established, Buckinghamia celsissima is highly drought tolerant and performs reliably through warm dry periods with deep, occasional watering. Through establishment it benefits from regular watering to develop the deep root system that supports this drought hardiness.

How fast does Buckinghamia celsissima grow?

Buckinghamia celsissima has a slow to medium growth rate, typically adding 30 to 60 centimetres per year through its main growth phase. The slow growth produces a strong, dense, well-branched tree with reliable form, making it an excellent long-term feature for streets and gardens.

Is Buckinghamia celsissima suitable as a street tree?

Yes. Buckinghamia celsissima is one of the most popular street trees in subtropical and warm temperate Australia, valued for its manageable mature size, non-invasive root system, dense shade canopy, low litter and dramatic seasonal flowering. It performs reliably in council and civic plantings across Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Avenue Planting
Screening or Privacy
Council or Civic Landscapes

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Rainforest / Subtropical Garden – dense greenery for a rich, exotic feel.
Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.

Is Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree Evergreen or Deciduous?

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8–12 metres

Mature Width: 4–6 metres

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is expected to grow 30–60 cm per year.

Growth Rate of Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is expected to grow 30–60 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

Is Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree frost tolerant?

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree Flower?

Buckinghamia celsissima produces dramatic cream curled flower spikes through summer and autumn, draping elegantly from the canopy for six to eight weeks at peak. The display is one of the most distinctive of any Australian native tree and draws nectar-feeding birds and native bees in significant numbers.

Does Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer
Autumn

Flower Type:

Flower Colour:

Cream

Is Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is Native to Native to the Atherton Tablelands rainforest in tropical north Queensland, where Buckinghamia celsissima grows naturally as an emergent rainforest tree.

What is the Wildlife Value of Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree ?

Buckinghamia celsissima is highly attractive to honeyeaters, lorikeets, native bees and butterflies through its summer and autumn flowering period. The dense evergreen canopy also provides shelter and nesting habitat for small native birds, making it a high-value addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.

How much Sunlight does Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree need?

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Buckinghamia celsissima performs best in free-draining sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, reflecting its rainforest origins. It tolerates a range of soil types provided drainage remains excellent. Heavy clay or persistently wet conditions should be avoided unless drainage is significantly improved. Keep soil moist during establishment, then water deeply and occasionally as the tree matures.

Is Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree Drought Tolerant?

Is Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree Drought tolerant?

As a young tree Buckinghamia celsissima benefits from regular watering to develop the deep root system that supports its long-term performance. Once established it shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through warm, dry periods with deep, occasional watering, maintaining its dense evergreen canopy and flowering display.

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How To Plant Your Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

Choose a sunny to partly shaded position with free-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and no deeper.
Improve heavy soils with compost and coarse organic matter before planting.
Water deeply at planting and stake young trees in exposed sites.
Mulch generously, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

Feature Tree: 5m – 6m apart
Avenue / Street Planting: 6m – 8m apart for a continuous canopy
Screen Planting: 3m – 4m apart for a dense privacy effect

Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree is expected to grow 30–60 cm per year.

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree

Water deeply and regularly through the first two summers.
Mulch well and refresh annually to conserve soil moisture.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring if needed.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape – avoid heavy structural cuts.

Planting Your Buckinghamia celsissima Ivory Curl Tree in Different Soil

Sandy soils: Performs reliably; mulch well to retain moisture during establishment.
Loamy soils: Ideal for steady growth and dense flowering canopy.
Slightly acidic soils: Excellent match to its native rainforest conditions.
Clay soils: Plant raised or significantly improve drainage before planting.