Melia azedarach - Evergreen Trees Direct

Melia azedarach

Name: Melia azedarach
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: MELAZE100L
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1002 in stock

Size: 100L

100L 70L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.4m – 2m Approx.
70L: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

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.

About Melia azedarach

Melia azedarach, commonly called Chinaberry tree or Bead tree, is a deciduous ornamental tree growing 6–12 meters tall and 6–9 meters wide. It features pinnately compound leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and produces fragrant lavender-blue flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by distinctive clusters of yellow berries.

With an upright, vase-shaped to spreading habit, this tree suits use as a shade, street, specimen, or ornamental tree. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerates drought, heat, light frost, and urban pollution, and adapts well to various soil types.

Low-maintenance by nature, Melia azedarach requires moderate watering when young, reducing as it matures—making it a versatile and attractive addition to many landscapes.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Melia azedarach is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 6 – 9 metres

Melia azedarach is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Melia azedarach frost tolerant?

Melia azedarach is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Melia azedarach produces masses of star-shaped, lilac-purple flowers with a dark central eye from late spring into early summer. These lightly fragrant blooms appear in large, open clusters and create a soft, airy and highly decorative seasonal display.

Native Information

Is Melia azedarach an Australian Native? No

Melia azedarach is Native to Asia and northern Australia, where it grows naturally in open forests, woodlands, and along river systems.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-bearing flowers attract bees, butterflies and spring pollinators, while the dense, fern-like canopy provides shade, shelter and perching habitat for small birds. The golden berries that follow are eaten by certain bird species, supporting wildlife even through the cooler months.

Sunlight Information

Melia azedarach will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Melia azedarach performs best in well-drained loam or sandy soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It adapts well to poorer, dry or compacted soils but may struggle in heavy, waterlogged clay unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support drought resilience, vigorous canopy growth and reliable seasonal flowering.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Chinaberry Tree / Bead Tree

Genus: Melia

Botanical Species: azedarach

Family: Meliaceae

Botanical Name: Melia azedarach

Landscape Uses

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

Melia azedarach works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Hedging & Screening:Not suitable due to broad canopy and deciduous nature.

Feature Tree: Plant 5 m – 7 m apart to allow for full canopy development and shade provision.

Avenue Planting Trees: Plant 6 m – 10 m apart for symmetrical alignment and seasonal interest.

Caring for Melia azedarach:

Prune as needed to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the tree's shape.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Enjoy the fragrant flowers and unique fruit that add beauty and interest to the tree.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Melaleuca quinquenervia is highly adaptable and thrives in both wet and dry conditions, making it one of the best choices for variable environments:

Sandy Soil: Requires regular watering initially, but thrives in coastal and floodplain areas.

Clay Soil: Naturally tolerant of compacted and waterlogged soils, making it an excellent choice for clay-heavy sites.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for balanced growth, offering good moisture retention and aeration.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range, making it highly versatile.

Melia azedarach is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

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

Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Melia azedarach develops excellent drought tolerance. Hardy, fast-growing and adaptable, it performs strongly in hot, dry, inland and coastal climates and maintains a full canopy with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Flowering Information

Does Melia azedarach flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this tree suitable for urban environments?
Yes, the Chinaberry Tree is commonly used as a street tree or in urban landscapes due to its adaptability and ornamental qualities.
Does Melia azedarach attract wildlife?
Yes, the fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.
Is it tolerant of different soil types?
Yes, the Chinaberry Tree is adaptable to various soil types, making it a versatile and hardy tree.