Pandanus tectorius - Evergreen Trees Direct

Pandanus tectorius

Name: Pandanus tectorius
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 5000.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$5,000.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

30 in stock

Size: 750L

750L 500L 300L

Current Stock Height Guides

300L: Enquire within for height guide information.
500L: 2.6m – 4m Approx.
750L: 3m – 4.5m Approx.

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 Pandanus tectorius

Pandanus tectorius, commonly known as the Screw Pine, is a bold, tropical-looking tree with a highly architectural presence. Known for its spirally arranged, strap-like leaves, and distinctive prop roots, this plant adds structure and texture to tropical, coastal, and resort-style gardens.

It typically grows to 5–8 metres high and 3–5 metres wide, forming a multi-branched canopy. In tropical climates, it can produce ornamental orange to red fruit, although fruiting is rare in cooler areas. The foliage is long, narrow, and sometimes edged with small spines. Pandanus tectorius thrives in full sun to part shade, tolerates salt-laden winds, and is ideal for coastal planting, especially on sandy or poor soils.

They look excellent when used in architectural coastal landscapes, as a feature near pools, or grouped to form a dramatic tropical backdrop.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Pandanus tectorius is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6–10 m

Mature Width: 4–6 m

Pandanus tectorius is expected to grow 0.5–1 m per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Pandanus tectorius frost tolerant?

Pandanus tectorius is Not Frost Tolerant – Cannot survive frost, should be avoided in frost-prone areas.

Flowering Information

Pandanus tectorius produces highly fragrant, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers from late spring through summer. The pendent male flower clusters are particularly aromatic, while the globular female blooms develop into large, segmented orange fruit, giving a distinctive tropical seasonal display.

Native Information

Is Pandanus tectorius an Australian Native? No

Pandanus tectorius is Native to Native to coastal northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, moths and pollinating insects, while the large segmented fruits provide food for native birds, crabs and coastal wildlife. The dense, spiralled canopy also offers shelter and nesting opportunities, making it a valuable species for biodiversity in tropical and coastal gardens.

Sunlight Information

Pandanus tectorius will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Pandanus tectorius performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. Exceptionally tolerant of salt spray and poor coastal soils, it may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged ground unless improved with coarse sand and organic matter to boost drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, infrequent watering as the plant matures to support drought resilience, sturdy root formation and reliable seasonal flowering and fruiting.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Screwpine

Genus: Pandanus

Botanical Species: Pandanus tectorius

Family: Pandanaceae

Botanical Name: Pandanus tectorius

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree

Pandanus tectorius works in an:

Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Choose a full sun to part shade position in a warm, frost-free location
Ensure soil is well-drained — raised beds are recommended in marginal soils
Dig a wide hole and amend poor soils with coarse sand and compost
Mulch well around the base (but keep mulch clear of the trunk)
Water regularly during the first 12–18 months until fully established

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used for screening
Feature Planting: Space 3–5 m apart
Shade Canopy: Space 4–6 m apart

Water deeply but infrequently once established
Avoid overwatering — the thick trunk stores moisture
Fertilise annually in spring with a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertiliser
Prune dead fronds or suckers as needed to maintain form
Watch for leaf scale or mealybugs in high humidity; treat early if needed

Sandy Soil: Performs best. Grows rapidly in sandy, free-draining soils. Mulch and water regularly during establishment.
Loamy Soil: Performs well with minimal soil improvement, provided good drainage is maintained.
Clay Soil: Not suitable unless heavily amended. Plant on mounds or raised beds to avoid root rot.
Coastal Soil: Ideal — excellent salt spray tolerance and thrives in exposed beachside gardens.
Poor or Rocky Soil: Can perform well if drainage is sharp and roots are not confined.

Pandanus tectorius is expected to grow 0.5–1 m 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)
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Not Frost Tolerant – Cannot survive frost, should be avoided in frost-prone areas.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Pandanus tectorius develops excellent drought tolerance. Naturally adapted to hot, dry, coastal and salt-laden environments, it maintains strong structural growth and healthy foliage with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Flowering Information

Does Pandanus tectorius flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Fragrant
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Pandanus tectorius frost tolerant?
A: No. It is frost-sensitive and should only be grown in frost-free climates such as QLD, coastal NSW, and the NT.

Q: Does it require pruning?
A: Not regularly. Only remove lower leaves or branches to maintain form or access around the trunk.

Q: Is it safe to plant near paving?
A: Avoid planting close to paving or structures — the prop roots can lift surfaces over time.

Q: Will it grow in coastal sand dunes?
A: Yes — it thrives in coastal exposure, especially in sandy, free-draining soils.

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