Eucalyptus nitens

Eucalyptus nitens

Brachychiton rupestris

Queensland Bottle Tree, Narrowleaf Bottle Tree, Kurrajong
Size
ex 1.5L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£24.99
Quick Overview
  • Tall-growing drought-tolerant tree
  • Developing a bulbous bottl-shaped trunk when mature
  • Warm sheltered sunny aspect
  • Will not take extreme sub-zero temperatures
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Brachychiton rupestris, Queensland Bottle Tree, is an iconic Australian tree that is both fast-growing and extremely drought tolerant. A mature specimen is one of those never-to-be-forgotten botanical moments and I well recall seeing it in the Sydney Botanical Gardens for the first time at the tender age of seventeen and being stopped in my tracks at the sight of it. Although each plant has its own idiosyncratic shape, the trunk generally forms a classic bottle shape with a tall bulbous girth that narrows at the shoulder to a smaller elongated neck from which the branches grow. The foliage is narrow and elongated with a glossy adaxial surface and a prominent midrib.

It is only relatively recently that enthusiasts have started experimenting with Brachychiton rupestris in the UK, mainly within the London microclimate. It is definitely not fully hardy in any sense of the word throughout the entire United Kingdom but if you live in one of the warmer parts of the UK like London or along the south or south west coast and can provide a well-curated microclimate this wonderful plant may be the very epitome of essential exotica that you've been waiting for. Its main requirements are space - it is a tree afterall and a tree that needs to admired without too much surrounding clutter - and a gritty well-drained substrate together with a warm sunny sheltered aspect ideally with enough overhanging protection to keep the worst of the frost from its foliage.

There is a lot of dross written on the internet about Brachychiton rupestris being slow-growing. Presumably these would-be experts have never grown it as anyone who has actually grown it knows how fast it grows. It does however take some time before it starts to assume the characteristic swollen shape. Although it is extremely drought-tolerant it appreciates being well-watered throughout the growing season - and surprise, surprise - will respond with vigorous growth. Lower branches can be pruned to keep its trunk growing straight. Protect younger plants from frost until they have substantial wood.

For experienced growers. Limited quantities.


Additional Information

Order Malvales
Family Malvaceae
Sub-Family Sterculioideae
Synonyms Brachychiton delabechei, Clompanus rupestris, Delabechea rupestris, Oleobachia macrophylla, Oleobachia palustrie, Sterculia rupestris
Geographical Origin Australia: Queensland, northern NSW
Cultivation Full sun. Well-drained gritty acidic soil but not too fussy otherwise. Warm, sheltered, sunny south-facing location. Water well throughout the summer although it can take extreme drought. Protect younger wood in winter. A thick mulch of grit or gravel
Eventual Height 6m+
Eventual Spread 4m+
Hardiness Cold tolerant and will take a very light frost. May defoliate in colder sub-zero temperatures.This is a plant for experienced growers who live in mild locations and who have created favourable microclimates. Protect when young and mulch heavily
Brachychiton rupestris
Queensland Bottle Tree, Narrowleaf Bottle Tree, Kurrajong
Size
ex 1.5L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£24.99
You could receive 20 Palm Points for writing a review for this product.
Add to My Wishlist Add to Compare Email to a Friend
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