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Red-flowered Kurrajong

The Story

Plant Bio

Brachychiton paradoxus is a deciduous small tree or large woody shrub native to northern Australia, characterized by a somewhat swollen, bottle-shaped trunk and an open canopy. During the dry season, it sheds its variable, often deeply lobed leaves to produce dense clusters of bell-shaped, bright red flowers directly along the bare branches.

This species is notable for its highly drought-tolerant root system and its striking display of leafless, orange-red blooms that emerge from late winter into spring. New foliage emerges with a soft, distinct pubescence before maturing into smooth, variable leaf shapes.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a striking seasonal display of dense, bright red bell-shaped flowers on bare, leafless branches, complemented by a sculptural, bottle-shaped trunk.

Highly drought-tolerant and adaptable to poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes in warm climates.

Provides nectar for generalist pollinating insects in late winter and spring when other floral resources are scarce.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

144"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant (seed pod hairs)

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a sandy slope or a raised bed filled with a gritty, free-draining medium.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the trunk flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent collar rot.
Water the newly planted tree deeply to settle the soil, then allow the substrate to dry out completely before applying water again.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring to support new growth without damaging the sensitive root system.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-draining, sandy or rocky soil and water sparingly; excess moisture in heavy soils triggers rapid, fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun and mandatory sharp drainage to prevent root rot.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.
Protect young container specimens from frost and freezing temperatures.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, clay-rich soils that retain moisture.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless woody trunks, as recovery is extremely slow.
Do not handle the interior of seed pods without gloves, as the fine hairs cause skin irritation.

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

Specimen TreeXeriscapingContainer GardenRock Garden

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidusAdenium obesum Agave attenuata

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 Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red-flowered Kurrajong deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red-flowered Kurrajong, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red-flowered Kurrajong bloom?

Red-flowered Kurrajong typically blooms in winter through spring. 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 (6+ hours).

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.