Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate allows a variety of stunning, flowering native trees to thrive with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for shade, vibrant flowers, or habitat for wildlife, there are plenty of options suited to different soil types and backyard sizes. Here are five native Australian trees that will grow easily in Queensland.
1. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
Flowering: Spring to summer, with bright red, pink, or purple brush-like flowers.
Height: 3 to 10 metres, depending on species.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to clay and sandy soils.
2. Queensland Firewheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus)
Flowering: Late summer to autumn, featuring striking red and orange wheel-shaped flowers.
Height: 10 to 30 metres, but can be pruned to suit smaller gardens.
Soil: Best in rich, well-draining soil, though it tolerates a range of conditions.
3. Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)
Flowering: Spring to summer with small yellow-green flowers, followed by bright orange berries.
Height: 8 to 15 metres, making it a great medium-sized shade tree.
Soil: Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils and is excellent for coastal gardens.
4. Ivory Curl Tree (Buckinghamia celsissima)
Flowering: Summer to early autumn, with cascading cream-colored flowers that attract bees and birds.
Height: 6 to 10 metres, ideal for suburban gardens.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils but adapts well to various conditions.
5. Lemon-scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
Flowering: Late spring to summer, producing white, fluffy flowers with a strong citrus scent.
Height: 5 to 8 metres, suitable for smaller gardens.
Soil: Grows well in rich, well-draining soil but tolerates sandy or loamy conditions.
These trees not only enhance your backyard with color and fragrance but also provide food and shelter for native wildlife. By choosing local species, you create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden that thrives in Queensland’s natural conditions.
