Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Couldn't load pickup availability
Current Stock Height Guides
Current Stock Height Guides
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 & Width
Mature Height: 8m to 15m
Mature Width: 6m to 10m
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate).
Root Ball Dimensions
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
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.
Shipping
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
Contact
Have a question or a list to send through to us?
Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au
Phone: (03) 7042 3318
Share this product
About Your New Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Calodendrum capense, the Cape Chestnut, is a broad crowned tree grown for its summer flowering. Large heads of pale pink, orchid like blooms with darker speckled markings cover the canopy, held above broad glossy leaves. It sheds its leaves through the colder months and refoliates in spring, so the display sits on fresh growth.
Give it full sun to part shade, a deep well drained soil, and reliable water for the first few summers. Warm temperate, subtropical and mild Mediterranean districts suit it best. Young trees are damaged by frost and need shelter, while established trees handle light frost. Growth is 40 to 70 centimetres a year.
This is a park and large garden tree, planted for shade, avenue work and civic landscapes where a flowering canopy earns the space it takes. Allow room for the crown to spread properly. Trees can take several years from planting before the first heavy flowering, and advanced stock shortens that wait considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Cape Chestnut
What is a Cape Chestnut?
Calodendrum capense is a large ornamental tree from southern and eastern Africa, grown here for its summer flowering and broad shade canopy. Despite the common name it is not a chestnut and is not related to one, belonging instead to the citrus family. The flowers are pale pink, orchid like and lightly perfumed.
How big does a Cape Chestnut grow?
In an open garden expect roughly 10 to 15 metres tall with a canopy 8 to 10 metres across at maturity. It is a tree for parks, streets and larger gardens rather than a courtyard. Growth is 40 to 70 centimetres a year, so allow for the eventual spread when choosing the position.
When does it flower?
Flowering is in summer, mainly December to February, though in warmer districts it can begin in late spring. Large pale pink heads with darker speckled markings cover the canopy for several weeks. Young trees often take a few years after planting before they flower heavily, and advanced stock brings that forward.
Is it evergreen or deciduous?
It is deciduous to semi-deciduous depending on the climate. In cooler districts it drops most of its leaves through the colder months and refoliates in spring ahead of flowering. In warm frost free areas it may hold much of its foliage year round and only thin out briefly. Either way the summer canopy is dense.
Is it frost tolerant?
Established trees handle light frost. Young trees are frost sensitive and can be knocked back badly by a hard frost in their first few winters, so plant them clear of cold air drainage lines and protect them until the trunk hardens. In cold inland districts it is not a reliable long term choice.
Does it have invasive roots?
The root system is not aggressive by the standards of large shade trees, but this is still a big tree and it needs room. Plan on at least 5 to 6 metres clear of buildings, paving and service lines. Surface roots can lift a path if the tree is crowded or planted in shallow soil.
How do I care for a young Cape Chestnut?
Water deeply and regularly for the first three summers while the root system extends, and mulch a wide area around the trunk. Feed in early spring with a complete fertiliser. Formative pruning in the first few years sets a strong central leader and a well spaced framework. After that little is needed beyond removing dead wood.
Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut works in an:
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Evergreen or Deciduous?
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Evergreen or Deciduous?
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 8m to 15m
Mature Width: 6m to 10m
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate).
Growth Rate of Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Growth Rate of Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut frost tolerant?
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Does Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Flower?
Does Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Flower?
Calodendrum capense produces masses of soft pink, orchid-like flowers with deeper veining through summer. The blooms sit across the canopy, creating a striking and highly ornamental display that makes this species a standout feature tree.
Does Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Pink
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut an Australian Native Tree?
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut an Australian Native Tree?
No
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is Native to South Africa, where Calodendrum capense grows naturally in coastal forests and moist woodland environments.
What is the Wildlife Value of Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut ?
What is the Wildlife Value of Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut ?
Its large, nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, providing a valuable food source during the warmer months. The canopy also offers light shelter for birds, supporting biodiversity in garden and landscape settings.
How much Sunlight does Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut need?
How much Sunlight does Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut need?
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Preferred Soil?
Calodendrum capense performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture retention and soil structure. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can restrict root development and reduce vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Drought Tolerant?
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Drought Tolerant?
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut Drought tolerant?
As a young tree it benefits from regular watering to establish well, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, Cape Chestnut shows moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods when planted in well-drained soil, with occasional supplementary watering supporting optimal growth and flowering.
Planting Information
How To Plant Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
How To Plant Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate).
Long Term Care For Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Long Term Care For Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Planting Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut in Different Soil
Planting Your Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut in Different Soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
