The Story
Plant Bio
Terminalia ferdinandiana, commonly known as the Kakadu plum, is a deciduous tropical Australian tree reaching four to eight metres in cultivation, with an open, spreading canopy of pale green, broad leaves clustered at the branch tips. The tree sheds its foliage during the dry season, followed by a flush of fresh bronze-green growth and spikes of small, cream-coloured flowers as the wet season approaches.
This species is highly valued for its smooth, fleshy, yellowish-green stone fruits that ripen after the wet season. The rough, dark grey, flaky bark provides structural interest when the branches are bare during its winter deciduous phase.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
315 inches
Width
236 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Northern Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with highly draining sandy loam or gravelly soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container.
- Water deeply to settle the soil, then restrict watering during the cooler dry season.
- Apply a light application of balanced native slow-release fertiliser only during active summer growth.
Pro Tip
Replicate the wet-dry tropical rhythm by keeping the root zone dry during cool winter months and providing deep, periodic watering paired with intense heat and absolute drainage in summer.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure absolute drainage to prevent root rot.
- Allow the tree to drop its leaves and rest during the dry season.
- Protect young trees from any frost exposure.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
- Do not overwater during the winter dormant phase.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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
Kakadu Plum questions
What zones can Kakadu Plum grow in?
Kakadu Plum 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.
When does Kakadu Plum bloom?
Kakadu Plum 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 Kakadu Plum need full sun?
Kakadu Plum does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Kakadu Plum drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Kakadu Plum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Kakadu Plum 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.