Elegant, tall, and fast-growing, Waterhousia floribunda is a subtropical tree prized for its graceful weeping habit and dense canopy. Its glossy green leaves provide a lush, tropical feel, while clusters of small white flowers appear in spring and summer, attracting bees and birds. This tree is ideal for streetscapes, large gardens, or as a feature specimen. Once established, it is hardy and low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soils and coastal conditions. Its natural form can be lightly pruned to maintain shape or left to develop as a striking, self-supporting specimen.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade. Performs best in full sun for strong growth.
Water requirement: Moderate. Regular watering during establishment; tolerant once mature.
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional deep watering once established.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Tolerates clay and sandy soils.
Skill level: Beginner Green thumb
Growth rate: Fast
Suitable for container gardens: Not recommended for small containers; best in-ground or large landscape spaces.
Mature Height: 15–25 m
Mature Width: 6–10 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Low. Protect young trees; mature trees tolerate light frost
Wind Tolerant: Excellent, including coastal conditions
Leaf colour: Glossy mid-green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 6–12 cm long, elliptic-ovate, leathery
Flower Colour: White
Flower Shape: Small, fluffy clusters
Flower Fragrance: Mild
Flower Season: Spring to summer
Fruit: Small dark berries, attract birds
Elegant, tall, and fast-growing, Waterhousia floribunda is a subtropical tree prized for its graceful weeping habit and dense canopy. Its glossy green leaves provide a lush, tropical feel, while clusters of small white flowers appear in spring and summer, attracting bees and birds. This tree is ideal for streetscapes, large gardens, or as a feature specimen. Once established, it is hardy and low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soils and coastal conditions. Its natural form can be lightly pruned to maintain shape or left to develop as a striking, self-supporting specimen.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade. Performs best in full sun for strong growth.
Water requirement: Moderate. Regular watering during establishment; tolerant once mature.
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional deep watering once established.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Tolerates clay and sandy soils.
Skill level: Beginner Green thumb
Growth rate: Fast
Suitable for container gardens: Not recommended for small containers; best in-ground or large landscape spaces.
Mature Height: 15–25 m
Mature Width: 6–10 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Low. Protect young trees; mature trees tolerate light frost
Wind Tolerant: Excellent, including coastal conditions
Leaf colour: Glossy mid-green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 6–12 cm long, elliptic-ovate, leathery
Flower Colour: White
Flower Shape: Small, fluffy clusters
Flower Fragrance: Mild
Flower Season: Spring to summer
Fruit: Small dark berries, attract birds
