Golden Penda Tree
Xanthostemon are a group of trees mainly from Queensland, and the Golden penda, or Xanthostemon chrysanthus is the most widely grown species.
Readily available for sale and is is a widely grown tree in warmer climates.
Description
This glossy leaved native tree from Northern Queenslands rain forests can reach a height of 20m+, usually much less in cultivation (they can be pruned) and makes an excellent shade tree.
However the main attraction are the flowers. It spectacular enough to have earned itself the title of ‘Floral emblem of Cairns’ where it is widely grown.
The Golden Penda name comes from the masses of large golden flowers in spring to summer, they remind us of large rounded ‘bottlebrush’ type flowers, and indeed they are related.
Growing in coastal rainforest areas from sub tropical to tropical Queensland the genus extends through a number of South Pacific Islands. Over a dozen species are found in Australia, they are perhaps one of the most under used Australian Native Plants.
How To Grow Xanthostemon chrysanthus – Basic Care
These are evergreen trees that require a humus rich moist soil to thrive, depending on species they can reach 20m in height, however usually less than half this in cultivation.
Growth rate is regarded as medium to fast, however in cooler climates it is much slower. Flowering both in terms of size and number will also be limited in cooler climates.
Varieties
These wonderful trees do require a moist humus rich soil and a warm climate, the introduction of dwarf cultivars ‘Fairhills Gold’ that will reach less than 5m in height make the Golden Penda tree or Xanthostemon chrysanthus an even more useful and versatile tree. The other popular cultivar is ‘Expo Gold’.
Landscaping Uses
Used as a feature tree, street tree or pruned to use as a hedging plant. When in flower it attracts bees, butterflies and nectar seeking birds to the garden.
This is a plant tat can be grown in a container if desired, and it will cope with low light situations as long as it has adequate moisture and warmth.
The root system is regarded as non invasive, and with pruning from an early stage you can also make a ‘Golden Penda’ hedge, a haven for birds.
Pruning
Generally the Golden Penda responds well to pruning which makes it possible to keep this attractive tree as a smaller specimen. The best time to prune is after flowering. Even the larger growing types have been successfully used as hedges, again best pruned after flowering.
Propagation
From seed, which can be slow to germinate. Most trees offered by wholesale growers are from cuttings as flowering from seed may take 5 – 7 years. Seed is also very slow to germinate, Also by semi hard wood cuttings, which is the preferred method.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Xanthostemon chrysanthus
- Common Names – Golden Penda
- Country of Origin – Australia – Queensland, NT and Northern NSW
- Climate Zones – Tropical to Warm Temperate, naturally growing in rainforest areas.
- Position – Full sun to part afternoon shade
- Soil – Well drained humus rich and moist.
- Height – Generally around 10 – 12 metres often less in cultivation
- Spread – Will form a crown to 8 metres plus..
- Growth Rate – Slow to Medium
- Foliage – Large glossy deep green elliptical leaves.
- Flowers – Yellow flowers in large trusses.
- Flowering Time – Winter to Autumn depending on climate.
- Frost tolerant – No.
- Drought tolerant – No.
- Root system – Regarded as non – invasive.
Other Xanthostemon Varieties
Species such as Xanthostemon chrysanthus (Golden Penda) are just finding the way onto the market. However Xanthostemon species do include a range of small to medium trees that produce colorful clusters of flowers have nice glossy foliage and make a great feature or specimen tree.
- X. youngii or (Crimson Penda)
- X. verticillatus is a smaller growing species with cream flowers.
- X. whitei is a taller species reaching 10 -15m
- X. paradoxus (Bridal tree) will reach 8 or 10 metres drought tolerant
- X. oppositifolius – This is the ‘Southern Penda’ more cold tolerant than most.
Golden penda is available for sale from Nurseries
In Brisbane and Gold Coast Try
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
Wholesale
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au