Brachychiton species
With many garden worthy species Brachychiton are often seen as a tall growing tree to over 30m. Although this is true of some of the species, many of the new cultivars and hybrids are much smaller growing than this.
Many of the recently released varieties will reach between 4 and 6m over 20 years, others up to 10m. The height will depend on the particular hybrid as well as the growing conditions. Some will grow a lot larger in warmer sub tropical climates than they will in the temperate zones.
Some species and cultivars are grown for the flowers, others for the wonderful trunks – Brachychiton are probably under used in landscaping in Australia
Brachychiton Varieties
The three most popular species are
- Brachychiton rupestris (Queensland Bottle Tree),
- Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree) and
- Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong Tree)
However another and 28 other trees and shrubs are included with B. discolor being one species used in hybridisation.
They are adaptable, for example, the Queensland bottle tree can be grown in a pot however it will need to have the tap roots pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Care
Generally drought tolerant once established, Brachychiton species grow from 4m – 30m. If grown in full sun and a well drained position, once established they are generally undemanding. Widely used in street plantings many species make great shade trees.
