Brachychiton Bella

Bella Pink is a grafted hybrid of the flame tree and the kurrajong, and it flowers the way neither parent quite manages on its own, long racemes of clear mid-pink bells through spring and summer, held against a full canopy rather than bare wood. The habit is neatly conical and the foliage stays on the tree year round.

In the landscape

The conical, evergreen habit suits it to positions where a deciduous flowering tree would leave a gap: driveway avenues at 5–6 m centres, screening runs, or a single specimen against a wall where the pink reads all summer. Roots are non-invasive, so it sits close to paving and services without concern. Grafted stock flowers young and true, which matters when the flower colour is the specification.

Growing notes

Evergreen, holding its foliage through the flowering period. Suited to Queensland, New South Wales and warmer Victorian districts; tolerant of moderate frost and of tropical heat. Full sun and free-draining soil are both required, it accepts most soil types but will not hold in wet ground. Growth is moderate, reaching about 8–10 m tall by 4–5 m wide in the ground. Hardy and drought tolerant once established.

This tree

• Height: 4.0–5.0 m
• Canopy width: 2.5–3.0 m
• Caliper: 120–150 mm
• Currently standing: 12 trees

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