How to Grow Illawarra Flame Tree

The Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) is a large pyramid-shaped tree with glossy leaves. The tree has a deciduous nature in some climates and produces masses of brilliant red flowers in late spring and early summer.

Full sun to half shade

Water well after planting, requires little water once established

Can tolerate all soil types

All year, best suited to temperate and tropical climates

How to Grow Illawarra Flame Tree in a Garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun or half shade. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it's needed most. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Illawarra Flame Tree Growing Tips

Varieties include:

- Queensland lacebark (Brachychiton discolour)
- Kurrajong (B. populneus)

Common Problems of Illawarra Flame Tree

Kurrajong Bag Moth, Kurrajong Leaf-Tier, Kurrajong Leafroller

This moth lays it's eggs on Brachychiton spp. leaves, then eggs hatch into caterpillars that spin silk and roll the leaves into a big bag. The Caterpillars then feed on the leaves, skeletonising them which kills the leaf.

Because the Caterpillars are not accessible by sprays, treatment is not possible. They will not kill the tree but can make it look unsightly. If you notice them, and it bothers you, cut the bags off and place them into the compost.