The Story
Plant Bio
Angophora costata is a large, evergreen tree native to eastern Australia, characterized by a gnarled, crooked branching habit and a prominent basal lignotuber. The smooth bark sheds in small scales to reveal pink, orange, or salmon-brown new bark that eventually weathers to pale grey.
The foliage consists of opposite, glossy green, lance-shaped leaves that emerge with a deep red or wine-colored tint. Small white flowers with prominent stamens open in terminal clusters during spring and summer.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
1181"
Width
590"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with deep, sandy, or sandstone-derived soil that drains exceptionally well.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments or high-phosphorus fertilizers.
- Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Pro Tip
Never prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks the epicormic buds of many eucalypts and responds poorly to hard rejuvenation.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in exceptionally well-drained, sandy or rocky soils.
- Prune young trees early to establish a strong structural scaffold.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage deep rooting.
- Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk base to prevent rot.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood.
- Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers.
- Do not plant close to foundations, sewer lines, or pipes.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Smooth-barked Apple questions
What zones can Smooth-barked Apple grow in?
Smooth-barked Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Smooth-barked Apple deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Smooth-barked Apple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Smooth-barked Apple bloom?
Smooth-barked Apple typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Smooth-barked Apple need full sun?
Smooth-barked Apple does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Smooth-barked Apple drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Smooth-barked Apple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Angophora to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Smooth-barked Apple with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.