Buckinghamia celsissima

Ivory curl hangs its flowers in long cream spirals through summer and autumn, honey-scented and heavy with bees. A member of the protea family from the north Queensland rainforest, it holds glossy dark leaves year round and pushes new growth in bronze and pink, so there is colour on the tree well outside the flowering.

In the landscape

A proven subtropical street tree, it is planted widely through Brisbane, with a compact crown that suits verges, medians and courtyards. Planted at 3–4 m centres it closes into a dense screen that holds foliage to the ground. As a single specimen it sits comfortably near outdoor living areas, where the scent and the bird and bee activity are part of the point. Keep it clear of high-phosphorus garden beds.

Growing notes

Evergreen. A tropical and subtropical species, suited to Queensland and coastal New South Wales as far south as sheltered warm gardens; young trees are frost tender and established trees take only light frost, so it is not a choice for cold districts. It needs well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, and being a member of the Proteaceae it resents high-phosphorus fertilisers, use a native-specific low-phosphorus feed. Growth is moderate, reaching roughly 6–10 m tall by 3–5 m wide in cultivation, taller in rainforest conditions. Water through extended dry spells while establishing.

This tree

• Currently standing: 64 trees

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