Brachychiton acerifolius
flame kurrajong
A open-branched tropical evergreen tree ultimately reaching 35m in height. Aptly named the Illawarra Flame Tree, due to the large, terminal panicles of bowl-shaped coral-red flowers to 2cm across, produced in summer before the leathery, glossy, bright green, usually palmate leaves to 20cm long, with 3 to 5-lobes appear
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in frost-free climates only; or grow in a container loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand in full light in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe with heat in a propagator, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or hardwood cuttings in early autumn with bottom heat in a propagator
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pruning group 1; needs restrictive pruning under glass
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.