Bottle Tree Care: Growing A Kurrajong Bottle Tree


Here’s a species of tree you might not see growing wild in your area. Kurrajong bottle trees (Brachychiton populneus) are hardy evergreens from Australia with bottle-shaped trunks that the tree uses for water storage. The trees are also called lacebark Kurrajongs. This is because the bark of the young trees stretch over time, and the old bark forms lacy patterns on the new bark beneath. Growing a Kurrajong bottle tree is not difficult since the species is tolerant of most soils. Read on for more information about bottle tree care.
Kurrajong Tree Info
The Australian bottle tree is a pretty specimen with a rounded canopy. It rises to some 50 feet (15 m.) high and wide, offering an evergreen canopy of shiny, lance-shaped or lobed leaves several inches (8 cm.) long. It is fairly common to see leaves with three lobes or even five lobes, and Kurrajong bottle trees do not have thorns. The bell-shaped flowers are even more attractive when they arrive in early spring. They are creamy white, or off-white, and decorated with pink or red dots. In time, the flowers of the Australian bottle tree develop into edible seeds that grow encased in pods. The pods themselves appear in clusters in a star pattern. The seeds are hairy but, otherwise, look something like corn kernels. These are used as food by the Australia aborigines.
Bottle Tree Care
Growing a Kurrajong bottle tree is a rapid business, since this little tree gets to its mature height and breadth in no time. The principal growing requirement of the Australian bottle tree is sunshine; it cannot grow in shade. In most ways the tree is undemanding. It accepts almost any type of well-drained soil in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, including clay, sand, and loam. It grows in dry soil or moist soil and tolerates both acidic and alkaline soil. However, if you are planting an Australian bottle tree, plant it in direct sun in a moderately fertile soil for best results. Avoid wet soil or shady areas. Kurrajong bottle trees are not demanding about irrigation either. Bottle tree care involves providing moderate amounts of water in dry weather. The trunks of Kurrajong bottle trees store water, when it is available.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
Teo Spengler is a master gardener and a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, where she hosts public tours. She has studied horticulture and written about nature, trees, plants, and gardening for more than two decades. Her extended family includes some 30 houseplants and hundreds of outdoor plants, including 250 trees, which are her main passion. Spengler currently splits her life between San Francisco and the French Basque Country, though she was raised in Alaska, giving her experience of gardening in a range of climates.
-
Why Are My Seedlings Wilting? 6 Common Causes – And How To Save Them
Wilted seedlings are a definite sign that something is not right. Learn how to diagnose the problem and bring baby plants back from the brink.
By Teo Spengler
-
Bugged About Strawberry Pests? 6 Common Pests, Plus How To Protect Your Precious Strawbs
Strawberry plants looking a little under the weather and not sure why? Check to make sure they haven’t come a-cropper to one of these classic strawberry pests
By Tonya Barnett