Ivory Curl Tree
With a natural habitat in the sub tropical rainforests of Queensland down to northern New south Wales, the Ivory Curl Tree is Buckinghamia celsissima, a beautiful tree when in full flower.
It will grow in cooler climates, however it will not grow well in frost prone areas.
In its natural habitat it will grow to be a medium to large trees, in cooler climates it is much smaller growing.
The flowers that appear in autumn are fragrant, ivory white and re-curved. They will cover the tree for weeks attracting birds and bees.
How to grow Buckinghamia celsissima – Basic Care
Best suited to tropical to sub tropical gardens this is a tree that can be grown in temperate climates given a warm protected position.
Given a moist well drained soil this is an easy plant to grow. It will grow larger in warmer climates.
Pruning can be carried out immediately after flowering to maintain a more compact shape and size if required.
The Ivory Curl tree will grow well as far south as Sydney and Melbourne in a warm sunny position as long as adequate moisture is provided in summer. In Brisbane you will se the tree used in street plantings in many areas.
Landscaping Uses
A medium to large native tree, Buckinghamia celsissima is most widely used as a street tree and in commercial plantings.
Relatively fast growing it does make a good specimen tree.
Best suited to tropical to sub tropical gardens this is a tree that can be grown in temperate climates given a warm protected position.
Pruning Buckinghamia celsissima
In an open sunny position, this is a tree that naturally forms a nice shape. It does take well to pruning if the size needs to be restricted.
Propagation
The method of propagation is from seed (easy from fresh seeds) as well as from cuttings.
Related Species
Buckinghamia ferruginiflora is another species, also from Northern Queensland, this species is a rare species not readily available.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Ivory Curl Tree
- Botanical Name – Buckinghamia celsissima
- Soil – Well drained to moist.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade. For landscaping, best in full sun, it is a tree that will tolerant some shade.
- Foliage – Glossy mid to deep green. New foliage tinged with pink.
- Flowers – Fragrant Creamy ivory white coloured flowers that will cover the tree when in full bloom.
- Flowering time – Summer to autumn.
- Growth Rate – Fast to Medium.
- Height – Dependant on climate, from 5 to 25 metres. Over time this tree can reach 25 metres in height. In cultivation usually much smaller. The cooler the climate the smaller the tree, even in Sydney height will usually be restricted to a tall shrub.
- Spread – Will form a broad spreading crown to 6 metres in an open position.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – No
Buckinghamia celsissima is available for sale from the following participating Nurseries
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au