Overview

Brachychiton bidwillii is a spreading branched trees in the genus Brachychiton, part of the Malvaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Brachychiton bidwillii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include architectural, coastal, sub-tropical, low maintenance and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Brachychiton bidwillii is a spreading branched evergreen tree belonging to the genus Brachychiton, which includes around 31 species of dome-forming trees or substantial shrubs native to Australia. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH levels. It is hardy to H1c and is suited to architectural, coastal, sub-tropical settings, as well as conservatories and greenhouses. The tree is best cultivated in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade and is propagated by seed or cuttings. It is of interest during spring and summer.

About the genus

Brachychiton is a genus of 31 species of trees and large shrubs, native to Australia and New Guinea. Fossils from New South Wales and New Zealand are estimated to be 50 million years old, corresponding to the Paleogene.

Wikipedia contributors, "Brachychiton", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brachychiton

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Brachychiton

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1c

Plant details

Brachychiton bidwillii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Trees

Habit

Spreading branched

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Architectural, Coastal, Sub-tropical, Low Maintenance, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Brachychiton bidwillii

Propagation

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions