Melia azedarach 'Elite' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Melia azedarach 'Elite'

$450.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

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 to 12m (approx.)

Mature Width: 6m to 10m

Melia azedarach 'Elite' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

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)

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Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact

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

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Melia azedarach 'Elite' is a selected White Cedar bred for a uniform rounded canopy, which makes it far more reliable than seedling-grown stock when a matched avenue is needed. Fragrant lilac flowers cover the tree in spring, followed by golden autumn foliage and ornamental berries.

'Elite' grows to 8 to 12 metres tall and 6 to 10 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, forming a dense symmetrical head that casts genuine summer shade before dropping cleanly for winter light. That predictable form is why it is specified so heavily for streets and civic avenues.

This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and tolerates drought, heat, poor soils and coastal exposure. It grows in full sun and needs no routine maintenance once established.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Melia azedarach 'Elite'

How big does Melia 'Elite' grow?

'Elite' reaches 8 to 12 metres tall and 6 to 10 metres wide, forming a dense uniform rounded canopy. It suits streets, avenues, parks and larger gardens.

Why choose 'Elite' over a seedling White Cedar?

'Elite' is a selected form with a consistent rounded canopy, so an avenue matches. Seedling-grown White Cedar varies widely in shape, size and habit.

When does White Cedar flower?

Clusters of fragrant lilac flowers appear through spring, followed in autumn by golden foliage and then yellow ornamental berries that persist on bare branches.

Are the berries toxic?

Yes. White Cedar berries are toxic to humans, dogs and livestock if eaten. Consider this when siting the tree near play areas, dog runs or grazing paddocks.

Is Melia azedarach an Australian native?

The variety australasica is native to eastern Australia, and White Cedar occurs naturally from Queensland through New South Wales into Victoria as well as through Asia.

Is 'Elite' frost hardy?

Yes. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, and equally tolerates heat, drought, poor soils and coastal exposure.

How far apart should I plant it for an avenue?

Plant 6 to 8 metres apart for an avenue where canopies will meet, and keep trees clear of paving and underground services.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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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 to 12m (approx.)

Mature Width: 6m to 10m

Melia azedarach 'Elite' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Melia azedarach 'Elite'

Melia azedarach 'Elite' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

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.

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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 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

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.