Buckinghamia celsissima, commonly known as the Ivory Curl Tree, is an attractive Australian native tree valued for its glossy foliage and distinctive, curled cream flowers. Naturally occurring in subtropical rainforests of Queensland, it makes an excellent feature or small shade tree in warm climates, with flowers that are highly attractive to birds and pollinators. Its neat form and manageable size suit residential gardens, parks, and streetscapes.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional once established
Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Not recommended; best planted in open ground
Mature Height: 6–10 m
Mature Width: 4–6 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Moderate
Leaf colour: Glossy dark green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: Elliptical leaves 10–20 cm long
Flower Colour: Cream to ivory
Flower Shape: Curled styles forming showy clusters
Flower Fragrance: Light, sweet fragrance
Flower Season: Spring to early summer
Buckinghamia celsissima, commonly known as the Ivory Curl Tree, is an attractive Australian native tree valued for its glossy foliage and distinctive, curled cream flowers. Naturally occurring in subtropical rainforests of Queensland, it makes an excellent feature or small shade tree in warm climates, with flowers that are highly attractive to birds and pollinators. Its neat form and manageable size suit residential gardens, parks, and streetscapes.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional once established
Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Not recommended; best planted in open ground
Mature Height: 6–10 m
Mature Width: 4–6 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Moderate
Leaf colour: Glossy dark green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: Elliptical leaves 10–20 cm long
Flower Colour: Cream to ivory
Flower Shape: Curled styles forming showy clusters
Flower Fragrance: Light, sweet fragrance
Flower Season: Spring to early summer
