Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree

Name: Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 13000.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$13,000.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 500L (double head)

500L (double head) 500L (single head)

Current Stock Height Guides

500L: 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 Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree

Xanthorrhoea species, commonly known as Grass Trees or Black Boy Tree, look excellent when used as striking focal points in native and xeriscape gardens. Their thick, woody trunks topped with dense tufts of grass-like foliage add a sculptural, architectural element that commands attention. The dramatic flower spikes, reaching up to 2 meters, attract nectar-feeding birds and insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.

These evergreen plants tolerate poor soils, drought, and fire, thriving in full sun with minimal maintenance once established. They are perfect for low-water gardens and rockeries. For added landscape impact, Grass Trees can be underplanted with low-growing native shrubs or succulents, creating a layered effect and varied texture that complements their bold form.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1m - 6m Approximately (variable depending on species, very slow-growing; this refers to trunk height)

Mature Width: 1 m – 3 m (leaf crown spread)

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 3 cm/year (Very Slow).

Frost Tolerance

Is Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree frost tolerant?

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Xanthorrhoea produces dramatic, upright flowering spikes covered in thousands of small cream-white flowers rich in nectar. These blooms often follow fire, seasonal changes or periods of stress, creating a striking architectural feature that rises well above the foliage.

Native Information

Is Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree an Australian Native? Yes

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree is Native to Australia – different species occur across much of the continent. They are commonly found in heathlands, open forests, and rocky slopes.

Wildlife Value

Its tall flowering spikes produce abundant nectar that attracts native bees, beetles and beneficial insects, while also drawing in nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters. The dense skirt of older foliage at the base provides sheltered habitat for small reptiles and ground-dwelling wildlife, supporting a diverse and resilient ecosystem.

Sunlight Information

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Xanthorrhoea performs best in very well-drained sandy or loamy soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will not tolerate heavy, compacted or waterlogged soils, and these must be avoided or significantly improved with coarse materials to enhance drainage. Keep the soil lightly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as it develops its natural drought resilience. Avoid disturbing the root system at all stages.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Grass Tree

Genus: Xanthorrhoea

Botanical Species: Xanthorrhoea spp.

Family: Asphodelaceae (or sometimes Xanthorrhoeaceae, taxonomically debated)

Botanical Name: Xanthorrhoea spp.

Landscape Uses

Council or Civic Landscapes
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
Feature Tree

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Planting Your Grass Tree:

Select the Right Site: Full sun with excellent drainage is crucial for healthy growth.
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil and ensure it is free-draining. Consider raising the planting area to improve drainage if necessary.
Planting: Plant at the same depth it was in the container. Avoid burying the trunk any deeper than it was previously.
Backfill: Use the same soil removed from the hole, no fertilizers are required at planting.
Water Thoroughly: Water in after planting, but ensure not to waterlog the soil.

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable for hedging

Feature Plant: Plant 2 m – 3 m apart to allow space for the spreading crown

Landscape Grouping: Plant in clusters with low shrubs or open mulch for sculptural effect

Caring For Your Grass Tree:

Watering: Be cautious with watering; overwatering can kill the plant. Once established, rainwater is often enough.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Old foliage can be trimmed to tidy up the plant if desired.
Fertilizing: Generally not required. If necessary, use a slow-release low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer.
Monitoring: Watch for signs of rot at the base which can indicate overwatering. Ensure good air flow around the plant.
Protection: Grass Trees are very hardy but can be affected by extreme frost. Use frost cloth to protect if necessary.

By following these guidelines, your Xanthorrhoea should thrive, adding a uniquely Australian character to your garden for many years, possibly centuries.

How to Grow Grass Trees in Different Soil Types

Grass Trees require excellent drainage.

Here’s how to manage different soils:

Ideal. Minimal preparation required.

Not suitable unless modified. Improve drainage by raising the planting area and incorporating coarse sand or gravel.

Suitable, provided water doesn’t pool. Create a mound if needed.

Acceptable if well-draining. Dig wide enough to accommodate root mass.

Avoid wet, boggy, or compacted areas. Raised beds or mounded plantings are strongly recommended for problematic sites.

Xanthorrhoea - Black Boy Tree is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 3 cm/year (Very Slow).

Slow 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)
Inland QLD (Darling Downs, Central QLD)
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
Riverland & Murraylands
Limestone Coast & South East

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it benefits from careful, regular watering while ensuring the crown stays dry. Once established, Xanthorrhoea shows excellent drought tolerance, thriving in hot, dry environments and maintaining its form with little to no supplementary watering.