Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island pine
An elegant, conical, coniferous tree with distinctive whirled branches of juvenile, fan-like foliage and mature, spiralled foliage. Young plants are often used as houseplants
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Araucaria are evergreen trees from the Southern Hemisphere, with whorled branches bearing spirally arranged leaves that may be needle-like, triangular or scale-like, and small male, and large female cones, usually on separate trees
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Norfolk Island
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a containerised tree under glass in areas liable to frost. The plant may be placed outside in a sheltered, sunny position during the summer and brought under glass once more in the autumn. In containers, use a well drained loam-based potting soil (JI No2) with extra perlite. Water freely during the growing season, March to September and keep the compost just moist during the winter. Apply a balanced fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season, but withhold fertiliser during the winter months
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in seedbed as soon as ripe; take cuttings of vertical shoot tips in midsummer and root in a cold frame; cuttings of horizontal side branches will not form an upright tree
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pruning group 1; little or no pruning is required, as this can permanently spoil the shape of the tree
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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.