Elaeocarpus reticulatus OR Elaeocarpus reticulatus 'Prima Donna' - Blueberry Ash

A stunning and popular Australian Native evergreen tree featuring delicate pale pink or white flowers from October to January, followed by vibrant blue berries that attract birds. Perfect as a tall screening tree along fencelines and boundaries with little to no maintenance.  

Plant Variety Overview

The Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) is a striking Australian Native evergreen tree prized for its exceptional ornamental qualities and year-round visual interest. This versatile species is renowned for producing delicate usually pale pink and sometimes white, fringed flowers from October through January, followed by distinctive bright blue berries that persist from April through October.

Foliage is dark green and new growth is coppery/red shades. The tree naturally forms a dense, conical shape, making it excellent as tall screening, or wildlife gardens to attract birds and wildlife.

Suits garden projects across the East Coast of Australia, adapting well to subtropical and warm temperate climates.

The Blueberry Ash is hardy, low-maintenance, and thrives in diverse conditions.

Why You'll Love It

> Tall Grower - Perfect for tall screening

> Low to no Maintenance - Grows lovely in its natural form with no need for regular pruning

> Delicate Flowers & Berries -Beautiful pink-white fringed flowers attract bees and butterflies; bright blue berries attract native birds

> Moderate to Fast Growth Rate - Delivering results faster than slower growers

> Versatile Form - Conical shape which grows nicely naturally without the need for any pruning

> Hardy & Adaptable - Tolerates light frost, coastal conditions, various soil types, and thrives in full sun to part shade

Growing Guide

Climate & Hardiness: Well-suited to subtropical and warm temperate climates. Thrives across the East Coast of Australia from Queensland through Victoria. Tolerates occasional light frost and coastal salt spray conditions. Moderately drought tolerant once established.

Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to part shade. For optimal flowering and fruiting, full sun positions are preferred, though performs well in part shade locations.

Soil Requirements: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including well-drained fertile soils. Does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly-drained soils—excellent drainage is essential. Can survive low nutrient and dry soils, though performs best with regular watering.

Water Management: Water deeply and regularly during establishment phase (first 12–24 months) to encourage rapid root development. Once established, moderately drought tolerant with occasional supplementary watering during extended dry periods. Performs best with consistent moisture.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very hardy with few pest or disease issues. Reliable and resilient in gardens across diverse sites.

Pruning & Maintenance: Responds well to pruning although this definitely is not required. Tip prune in late winter and summer to build dense growth. For formal hedging, light shaping 2-3 times per year maintains crisp, neat lines. Can be kept at 3m tall as a formal hedge despite natural height of 7-10m.

Mature Dimensions

Height: Approx 7–10m tall (occasionally to 15m in exceptional conditions)

Width: Approx 3–5m (Conical form)

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; grows 40–80cm per annum once established

Perfect For

> Formal and informal screening and hedging

> Privacy barriers and windbreaks

> Wildlife and native gardens

> Street tree plantings

> Coastal gardens and wind-exposed positions

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety

Availability

The Blueberry Ash is a popular landscaping choice and regularly available across Australian nurseries, particularly in eastern regions (NSW, QLD, VIC). Availability may be more limited in SA. Contact us to confirm current stock and pricing in your region.