Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
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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 giventhat 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 andis not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.
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About Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut
Calodendrum capense, commonly known as Cape Chestnut, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen tree valued for its broad canopy and ornamental flowering display. It produces large, glossy green leaves that create a dense, structured crown suitable for feature and shade planting.
In summer, it produces soft pink, orchid-like flowers with darker markings, delivering a refined and eye-catching seasonal display. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with consistent moisture during establishment.
They look excellent when used as feature trees, in avenues, and in larger residential or civic landscapes. This species is commonly specified where ornamental flowering and canopy presence are required.
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Key Information to Know
Evergreen / Deciduous
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 8–15 metres
Mature Width: 6–10 metres
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is expected to grow 40–70 cm per year (moderate).
Frost Tolerance
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut frost tolerant?
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Flowering Information
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.
Native Information
Is Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut an Australian Native? No
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is Native to South Africa, where Calodendrum capense grows naturally in coastal forests and moist woodland environments.
Wildlife Value
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.
Sunlight Information
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut will thrive best in:
Preffered 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.
Botanical Information
Botanical Information
Botanical Information
Common Name: Cape Chestnut
Genus: Calodendrum
Botanical Species: capense
Family: Rutaceae
Botanical Name: Calodendrum capense
Landscape Uses
Landscape Uses
Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut works in an:
Planting, Spacing & Care
Planting, Spacing & Care
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Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut is expected to grow 40–70 cm per year (moderate).
Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting
Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting
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)
Ideal Conditions
Ideal Conditions
Thrives in
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Drought Tolerance
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.
Flowering Information
Flowering Information
Does Calodendrum capense – Cape Chestnut flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Pink
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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