Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar - Evergreen Trees Direct

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

$330.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 75L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: 1.8m - 2.5m 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: 20m to 30m

Mature Width: 10m to 15m

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (moderate to fast, in suitable conditions).

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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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

Toona ciliata, the Australian Red Cedar, is a large deciduous native with an upright trunk and a broad, spreading crown. Long pinnate leaves carry many leaflets and flush coppery red before settling to green. Sprays of small cream flowers appear in spring. Autumn colour is a soft yellow before the tree stands bare.

It wants full sun, deep soil and reliable moisture while establishing. Warm temperate and subtropical east coast conditions suit it, from the Illawarra north through the Northern Rivers into south east Queensland. Growth runs 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year in good ground. Heavy frost damages young growth, so shelter it in the early years.

Expect 15 to 25 metres in cultivation, taller again in rainforest. It works on rural properties, in parks, in revegetation and creek line work, and as a shade tree where there is real space. Councils specify it for native canopy and habitat value, and growers plant it for its famous red timber.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Australian Red Cedar

What is Australian Red Cedar?

Toona ciliata is a large deciduous tree native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, from the Illawarra north into Queensland. It carries long pinnate leaves that flush coppery red in spring, then green, and drops them in winter. Its red timber made it one of the most sought after trees in the country.

How big does Toona ciliata grow?

In gardens and parks expect 15 to 25 metres tall with a broad spreading crown of similar proportion. In its native rainforest it goes considerably higher, well over 30 metres in old growth stands. This is a tree for acreage, parkland and large rural properties rather than a standard suburban block.

Is Australian Red Cedar deciduous?

Yes, and it is one of the few Australian natives that drops its leaves completely. Foliage yellows and falls through late autumn and the tree stands bare over winter, then flushes red new growth in spring. The bare period is short in warm coastal districts and longer in cooler inland areas.

Where does Australian Red Cedar grow best in Australia?

It is happiest in warm temperate and subtropical east coast conditions, from the Illawarra and Sydney basin north through the Northern Rivers to south east Queensland. It also performs in sheltered gardens further inland where the soil is deep and moisture reliable. Heavy frost and long dry spells both slow it down.

How fast does it grow?

Growth is moderate to fast, around 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year in deep fertile soil with reliable moisture. On poorer, drier ground it is noticeably slower. Trees establish best with a well mulched root zone and regular water through the first two years, after which the pace picks up markedly.

When does it flower?

Sprays of small cream flowers appear in spring, usually September to November. They are lightly scented and not showy from a distance, but they carry well and attract insects. Small woody capsules follow and split to release winged seed. The tree is grown for its canopy and foliage rather than its flowers.

How do I care for an Australian Red Cedar?

Keep water up through the first two summers and mulch well. The main issue is the cedar tip moth, which bores into new shoots and causes bushy, forked growth. Check the new growth in spring and summer, cut out affected tips, and train a single leader while the tree is young. Early formative pruning saves work later.

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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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

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Uses in my Garden

Shade Tree
Rural Property Planting
Revegetation or Regeneration
Council or Civic Landscapes
Feature Tree

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar works in an:

Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.

Is Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar Evergreen or Deciduous?

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 20m to 30m

Mature Width: 10m to 15m

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (moderate to fast, in suitable conditions).

Growth Rate of Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (moderate to fast, in suitable conditions).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

Is Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar frost tolerant?

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar Flower?

Toona ciliata produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. While relatively subtle, the blooms appear in loose panicles above the foliage and are followed by woody seed capsules, with the tree primarily valued for its timber heritage and graceful form rather than its flowering display.

Does Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Cream

Is Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is Native to Eastern Australia and parts of Asia, where Toona ciliata grows naturally in subtropical and warm temperate rainforest margins and moist forest environments.

What is the Wildlife Value of Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar ?

Its broad, deciduous canopy provides valuable shelter and nesting habitat for small birds, while the foliage supports beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. The tree’s seasonal growth and seed production also play a role in supporting local biodiversity within larger landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar need?

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Toona ciliata performs best in deep, well-drained loam soils with consistent moisture and a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It will tolerate sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve fertility and water retention. Avoid shallow, compacted or waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can restrict root development and long-term vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar Drought Tolerant?

Is Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish a strong root system, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, Australian Red Cedar develops moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods when planted in suitable soils, though it benefits from supplementary watering during extended heat.

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How To Plant Your Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun with good air movement and room for the canopy to develop.

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

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, avoiding any low spot where water might pool.

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

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

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.

Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (moderate to fast, in suitable conditions).

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch or pine bark over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk to avoid waterlogging at the base.

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 scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Toona ciliata – Australian Red Cedar in Different Soil

Toona ciliata 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.