tree

Red-flowered Kurrajong

The Story

Plant Bio

Brachychiton paradoxus, known as the red-flowered kurrajong, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous small tree native to the open woodlands and rocky ranges of northern Australia. It develops a swollen, water-storing lower trunk and root system that sustains the plant through prolonged dry seasons.

This species is distinguished by its variable, often deeply lobed foliage covered in rusty-brown hairs on new growth, and its habit of flowering on bare, older wood. The dark red, bell-shaped flowers cluster directly along the branches during spring and summer before the new leaves fully emerge.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a distinctive swollen trunk base and clusters of deep red, bell-shaped flowers borne directly on older branches.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes and rockeries.

Provides nectar for native bees, nectar-feeding insects, and native Australian birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

197 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High to Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Northern Australia

Toxicity

Skin and eye irritant (seed pod hairs)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, sandy or stony soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the swollen stem base sits level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then withhold water until the top few centimetres of soil dry out completely.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning into old, leafless wood as branches lack latent buds and will fail to shoot, leaving permanent dead stubs.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly drained soil mixtures to prevent root rot.
Wear gloves when handling mature seed pods to avoid irritating hairs.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering cycles.

Don't

Do not overwater during the winter dormant phase.
Do not cut back into old, grey, leafless wood.
Do not plant in heavy clay or boggy, low-lying areas.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingRock gardensXeriscapingFeature tree in dry climates

Companion Plants

Triodia species Grevillea pteridifolia Acacia holosericea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red-flowered Kurrajong questions

What zones can Red-flowered Kurrajong grow in?

Red-flowered Kurrajong 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 Red-flowered Kurrajong bloom?

Red-flowered Kurrajong 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 Red-flowered Kurrajong need full sun?

Red-flowered Kurrajong does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Red-flowered Kurrajong drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red-flowered Kurrajong handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.