Brachychiton acerifolius - Illawarra Flame Tree

A large Australian Native deciduous tree renowned for its spectacular showy display of bright red crimson flowers in spring and summer. Perfect for feature tree applications in warm climates. Drought and light frost tolerant once established with impressive landscape presence and immediate impact.

Quick Info

Height: 10–20m (large feature tree)

Width: 6–8m (broad, spreading canopy)

Positioning: Full sun to part shade

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast – establishes reliably

Climate & Hardiness: Native to warm climates and performs best in subtropical and warm temperate regions. Best suited to East Coast from warm parts of NSW through Queensland and into tropical regions.

Tolerances: Light frost tolerant & drought once established

Deciduous Habit: Deciduous in nature - foliage naturally drops in winter. The bare canopy reveals sculptural branching. New growth emerges in spring.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very hardy with few significant pest or disease issues in warm climates.

Pruning & Maintenance: Minimal pruning required. Tree naturally develops attractive spreading form. Light pruning can maintain shape and remove any dead branches. Generally low-maintenance once established.

Perfect For

> Feature trees in large gardens and larger acreage properties

> Large-scale landscaping and public spaces

> Shade trees for warm climate regions

> Focal point plantings and landmark trees

> Properties with ample space for mature canopy

Plant Variety Overview

Brachychiton acerifolius, commonly known as Illawarra Flame Tree or Flame Tree, is a large Australian native deciduous tree renowned for its spectacular ornamental flowering and impressive landscape presence. This striking tree is native to the warm climates of the Illawarra region in NSW and delivers exceptional ornamental impact through its prolific, vibrant red floral display.

The tree displays attractive maple-like foliage during spring and summer, providing an elegant canopy before dropping leaves in winter. The spectacular feature is the abundant display of bright red to crimson flowers that cover the canopy in spring and summer, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The large size and spreading canopy deliver impressive landscape presence and immediate visual impact—perfect for feature planting in properties with ample space.

Illawarra Flame Tree combines ornamental excellence with practical landscape functionality. The reliable flowering, drought and light frost tolerance, versatile sizing, and proven performance in warm climate regions make this native tree an outstanding choice for feature plantings and large-scale landscaping applications. The deciduous habit and bare winter canopy is a feature rather than limitation, as the sculptural branching adds winter interest and allows sunlight penetration to lower plantings.

Why You'll Love It

> Spectacular Floral Display: Abundant bright red to crimson flowers cover the canopy in spring and summer, creating stunning visual spectacle

> Impressive Landscape Presence: Large size and broad spreading canopy deliver immediate visual impact and presence for feature planting

> Deciduous Character: Winter bare canopy reveals sculptural branching and allows light penetration to lower plantings

> Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires minimal watering—perfect for sustainable landscaping

> Light Frost Tolerant: Extends suitability to broader warm climate range beyond tropical-only regions

> Reliable Performer: Proven Australian native with consistent flowering and long-term landscape reliability

> Low-Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care

Space Requirements

Illawarra Flame Tree reaches substantial mature size - approx 15–20m height and 6–8m width. This tree requires genuine space for proper canopy development and root expansion. Plan planting at least 10–15m from buildings, utilities, and structures. Ideal for larger gardens, estates, parks, and public spaces with room for mature spread.

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety