Melia azedarach 'Elite' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Melia azedarach 'Elite'

$450.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

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: 2m – 2.4m Approx.
100L: 2.4m – 3.4m Approx.

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: 8m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 6 – 10 metres

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

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

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.

Register or learn more ›

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

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

Our 20% Off EOFY Sale is Live

20% off sale applies automatically at checkout. No Code Required. Applies to Orders over $1,500

About Your New Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Melia azedarach 'Elite', known as White Cedar, is a graceful deciduous tree reaching 6–10 meters in height and width. It features delicate, fern-like foliage that provides dappled shade and produces fragrant lilac-colored flowers in spring, followed by decorative fruit.

With an upright, spreading habit and moderate growth rate, 'Elite' adapts well to various soil types and moderate drought. Ideal as a shade, specimen, or street tree, it attracts birds and pollinators. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it requires regular watering during establishment but is drought-tolerant once mature, with low maintenance needs.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

From $300.00

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

From $200.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'

From $130.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

From $145.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly

From $150.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' Bay Tree

From $100.00

Uses in my Garden

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

Melia azedarach 'Elite' 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.

Is Melia azedarach 'Elite' Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 6 – 10 metres

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

Growth Rate of Melia azedarach 'Elite'

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

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Is Melia azedarach 'Elite' frost tolerant?

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

Does Melia azedarach 'Elite' Flower?

Melia azedarach ‘Elite’ produces masses of star-shaped lilac-purple flowers with a darker central eye from late spring into early summer. The lightly fragrant blooms form in open, airy clusters throughout the canopy, giving the tree a soft, refined and highly decorative seasonal display.

Does Melia azedarach 'Elite' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Purple

Is Melia azedarach 'Elite' an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Melia azedarach 'Elite' is Native to A selected form of Melia azedarach, which is native to Asia and northern Australia where it grows naturally in open forests and woodlands.

What is the Wildlife Value of Melia azedarach 'Elite' ?

Its nectar-rich blossoms attract bees, butterflies and a variety of spring pollinators, while the finely divided foliage provides shade, shelter and perching habitat for small birds. The golden berries that follow are eaten by certain bird species, offering a valuable food source through the cooler months and boosting overall garden biodiversity.

How much Sunlight does Melia azedarach 'Elite' need?

Melia azedarach 'Elite' will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

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

Is Melia azedarach 'Elite' Drought Tolerant?

Is Melia azedarach 'Elite' Drought tolerant?

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

youtube

How To Plant Your Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

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

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Melia azedarach 'Elite' in Different Soil

Melia azedarach performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melia azedarach 'Elite' suitable for smaller gardens?
While it can reach a substantial size, 'Elite' White Cedar can be pruned to manage its growth, making it suitable for various garden sizes.

Is 'Elite' White Cedar suitable for providing shade in gardens and parks?
Absolutely, its spreading canopy makes it an ideal choice for shade.

Does it attract wildlife and pollinators?
Yes, White Cedar is known to attract birds and beneficial pollinators with its flowers and fruit.

Is it resistant to common pests and diseases?
Generally, White Cedar is hardy and not prone to significant pest or disease issues.

Can it tolerate occasional dry periods?
Yes, once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.