Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

$300.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 400L

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

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Approximately 1.4 – 1.8 m at dispatch.
100L: Approximately 2.0 – 2.5 m at dispatch.
400L: Approximately 3.0 – 4.0 m at dispatch (specimen-grade).

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: 6–8 m

Mature Width: 4–6 m

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is expected to grow 0.5–1 m 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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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 Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra', commonly known as Cottonwood, is a fast-growing evergreen Australian native shrub or small tree valued for its broad heart-shaped burgundy foliage, large tropical-style flowers and exceptional performance in warm coastal positions. The yellow hibiscus flowers age through orange to deep red over the course of the day, giving striking colour contrast against the rich burgundy foliage from spring through autumn.

With a mature height of 4 to 8 metres and a spread of 4 to 6 metres, this variety forms a naturally rounded canopy that can be pruned to shape or left to grow freely as an informal screen. It performs exceptionally well in coastal, subtropical and warm temperate climates, with strong tolerance of salt, wind, clay soils and occasional waterlogging.

As a fast-growing evergreen Australian native for tropical, coastal, native and wildlife gardens, in mixed native plantings, informal hedges, shade canopies and feature positions, Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra' brings burgundy foliage, colour-changing tropical flowers, dense canopy shade and reliable coastal toughness through every season.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra' Cottonwood

What is Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra' Cottonwood?

Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra', commonly known as Cottonwood, is a fast-growing evergreen Australian native shrub or small tree valued for its broad heart-shaped burgundy foliage and large yellow hibiscus flowers that age through orange to red. It is native to coastal northern Australia and is one of the most striking native trees for warm coastal and tropical gardens.

How big does Cottonwood grow?

Cottonwood reaches a mature size of approximately 4 to 8 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide, forming a naturally rounded canopy. Growth is fast at 0.5 to 1 metre per year, and the plant can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shaped into a single-trunk small tree.

When does Cottonwood flower?

Cottonwood produces large tropical hibiscus-style flowers from spring through to autumn. Each bloom opens buttery yellow in the morning and ages through orange to deep red over the course of the day, with multiple flowers at different stages giving a constant colour-changing display against the burgundy foliage.

Is Cottonwood suitable for coastal areas?

Yes. Cottonwood is one of the best Australian native trees for direct coastal planting. It handles salt-laden winds, sandy soils and exposed seaside positions with ease, and reflects its natural habitat along the tropical and subtropical coastlines of northern Australia.

How fast does Cottonwood grow?

Cottonwood is fast-growing, putting on 0.5 to 1 metre of growth per year in suitable conditions. It is one of the quickest ways to establish a fast tropical-style screen, feature tree or native garden anchor in warm climates.

Can Cottonwood be pruned into a hedge or small tree?

Yes. Cottonwood responds well to pruning and can be maintained as an informal hedge, dense screen or shaped into a single-trunk small feature tree. For hedging, trim two to three times per year through the growing season. For tree form, remove lower branches progressively through establishment.

Is Cottonwood frost tolerant?

No. Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra' is frost sensitive and best grown in frost-free or protected positions. It performs reliably across tropical Queensland, coastal NSW and warm coastal Victoria, but should be avoided in heavily frost-prone inland areas.

Does Cottonwood attract wildlife?

Yes. The nectar-rich hibiscus flowers attract bees, butterflies, native birds including honeyeaters, and beneficial pollinators throughout the long flowering season. The dense broad canopy also offers shelter and nesting habitat for small birds, making Cottonwood one of the most valuable Australian natives for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'®

From $20.00

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'® (LM300) is one of the most widely planted Australian native ornamental grasses, valued for its fine bright green strappy foliage, neat compact habit and exceptional resilience in tough landscaping conditions. A naturally compact and finer-foliaged form of the species, 'Tanika' holds a refined mounding shape without the coarser texture of standard Lomandra longifolia.

It performs reliably in full sun through to part shade, tolerates drought, frost, coastal salt and poor soils, and produces small yellow flower spikes through spring and summer that add a soft seasonal lift. At a mature size of around 60 cm tall by 60 cm wide, 'Tanika' is one of the most useful Australian natives for mass planting, modern garden borders, low-maintenance landscapes and feature pot planting.

As a compact evergreen Australian native grass for native, modern, coastal, contemporary and low-maintenance gardens, in mass plantings, borders and feature pot displays, Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' brings fine textural foliage, year-round form and exceptional toughness to almost any garden brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'

How big does Lomandra 'Tanika' grow?

Lomandra 'Tanika' grows to a compact mature size of around 60 cm tall by 60 cm wide, forming a neat rounded mound of fine green strappy foliage. It is significantly more compact and finer-textured than the standard Lomandra longifolia, making it the preferred form for refined garden settings.

Where should I plant Lomandra 'Tanika'?

Lomandra 'Tanika' grows well in full sun through to part shade and tolerates a wide range of soil types from sandy through to clay. It is excellent for mass planting, low borders, coastal exposed positions and contemporary garden borders, and performs reliably in both garden beds and pots.

Is Lomandra 'Tanika' drought tolerant?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' is highly drought tolerant once established and is one of the most reliable Australian natives for low-water gardens. Through establishment it benefits from regular watering, then transitions to natural rainfall in most Australian climates.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' is frost tolerant and performs reliably across cool, temperate and warm Australian climates. The fine evergreen foliage holds its colour through winter with no protection required.

Does Lomandra 'Tanika' flower?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' produces small yellow flower spikes through spring and into summer, sitting just above the foliage. The flowers are softly fragrant and provide a delicate seasonal lift, though the plant is grown primarily for its foliage form rather than its flowering.

How do I care for Lomandra 'Tanika'?

Lomandra 'Tanika' is exceptionally low maintenance. Water through establishment, then sparingly. Every 2 to 3 years, give plants a hard tidy in late winter by removing old foliage to encourage fresh growth. No regular pruning is otherwise required.

Can it be used for mass planting?

Yes – mass planting is one of the most successful uses for Lomandra 'Tanika'. Planted on a 50 to 60 cm spacing the plants knit together into a refined textural carpet within 12 to 18 months, providing a contemporary and resilient alternative to traditional groundcovers and grasses.

Is Lomandra 'Tanika' the same as standard Lomandra longifolia?

No. 'Tanika' is a selected compact and finer-foliaged cultivated form of Lomandra longifolia (registered as LM300). It is significantly smaller, neater and more refined than the standard species, with bright green leaves and a tidy mounded habit, making it the preferred form for designed landscapes and refined garden settings.

View full details

Type: Native Grass

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'®

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Buxus sempervirens (Hedging Form) – English Box

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Echium candicans Pride of Madeira

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Type: Ornamental Grass

Pennisetum setaceum Fountain Grass

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Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes
Rural Property Planting
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood works in an:

Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Evergreen or Deciduous?

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6–8 m

Mature Width: 4–6 m

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is expected to grow 0.5–1 m per year.

Growth Rate of Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is expected to grow 0.5–1 m per year.

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood frost tolerant?

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Flower?

Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ produces large, soft yellow hibiscus flowers that age through orange to deep red over the course of the day. Blooming mainly from late spring through autumn, these colour-changing flowers sit beautifully against the rich burgundy foliage and provide a striking tropical-style display.

Does Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Autumn

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is Native to Native to coastal areas of northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The ‘Rubra’ form is prized for its red-bronze foliage.

What is the Wildlife Value of Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood ?

Its nectar-rich hibiscus blooms attract bees, butterflies and beneficial pollinating insects, while the dense, broad canopy offers excellent shelter and nesting habitat for small birds. The flowers also support day-flying moths and native pollinators, enriching subtropical and coastal garden biodiversity.

How much Sunlight does Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood need?

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It can tolerate poorer coastal soils but may struggle in heavy clay unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and moisture balance. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain deep, consistent watering through dry periods as it matures to support its foliage colour, flower performance and overall vigour.

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Drought Tolerant?

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established ‘Rubra’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in warm, coastal and humid climates, but still handles dry periods well with deep, occasional watering to maintain leaf colour, vigour and flower production.

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How To Plant Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Choose a full sun or part shade position with protection from heavy frost.
Ensure the soil is free-draining; tolerates sandy or clay soils, but not persistent waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil.
Water thoroughly at planting to eliminate air pockets and ensure good root-to-soil contact.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds — keep mulch away from the stem.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Hedging & Screening: Space 2 – 3 m apart
Feature Planting: Space 3 – 5 m apart
Shade Canopy: Space 4 – 6 m apart
Avenue Planting: Space 4 – 6 m apart

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is expected to grow 0.5–1 m per year.

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Water regularly during the first 12–18 months, especially in dry spells, to establish a deep root system.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser annually in spring to support healthy foliage and flower production.

Planting Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood in Different Soil

Performs well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage.
Tolerates intermittent waterlogging but avoids long-term root saturation.
For heavy clay, plant on mounded soil or raised beds to improve drainage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ suitable for coastal areas?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of salt and wind exposure, making it ideal for coastal planting.

Q: Can it be kept small or pruned into a tree shape?
A: Yes, it responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a shrub, informal hedge, or shaped into a small tree.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the flowers are attractive to bees and pollinators, and the dense canopy offers shelter for birds.

Q: Is it frost-tolerant?
A: It is frost-sensitive and best grown in frost-free or protected locations.