Brachychiton acerifolius x rupestris

Gabby Bells is a grafted cross of the flame tree and the Queensland bottle tree, and it inherits from both, racemes of soft pink bells through the warm months, carried on a compact, thick-stemmed frame that holds its foliage while it flowers. The result is a flowering native at courtyard scale rather than parkland scale.

In the landscape

Because it keeps its leaves through flowering, the display sits against green rather than bare wood, which reads as softer than the flame tree and suits gardens seen at close range. Use it as a courtyard or entry specimen, in a matched pair, or as a short avenue at 5–6 m centres. Being grafted it flowers young and true to the selection, which matters where a client is buying the flower colour rather than the species.

Growing notes

Semi-evergreen, holding most of its foliage through the flowering period. Suited to Queensland, New South Wales and the warmer Victorian districts, and hardy to moderate frost once established. Full sun and free-draining soil are both necessary; like all Brachychiton it will not tolerate wet feet. Growth is slow to moderate. Mature dimensions for this grafted hybrid are not firmly documented in cultivation, on the parentage, expect a small, thick-trunked tree in the order of 5–8 m tall by 3–5 m wide. Drought tolerant once established.

This tree

• Height: 3.5–4.0 m
• Canopy width: 2.5–3.0 m
• Caliper: 150–160 mm
• Currently standing: 5 trees

Field-grown ex-ground at Ravensbourne Farm, root-pruned and basket-lifted, delivered and craned Australia-wide. Price on application through the Shortlist.