Brachychiton acerifolius - Flowering Tree - Flame Bottletree, Flame Tree Page

Transform your subtropical landscape with the breathtaking beauty of the Brachychiton acerifolius, commonly known as Flame Tree or Illawarra Flame Tree. This striking deciduous tree is a native of Australia's eastern subtropical rainforests, admired for its magnificent display of vibrant red blossoms. Typically reaching heights of 25-40 feet in cultivation (though they can soar to 110 feet in the wild), Flame Trees create a visual spectacle when they shed their leaves and burst into bloom in late spring to early summer. The tree's waxy, scarlet bell-shaped flowers form dense clusters at the ends of branches, attracting native bees and leaving a vivid carpet of red as they gracefully fall to the ground. Boasting a stout gray trunk and glossy green maple-like leaves, this tree remains drought tolerant once established and is hardy to temperatures as low as 25°F. Ideal for planting in full sun, Flame Tree is perfect as a street or patio tree, offering minimal leaf drop and a compact root system that won't disrupt surrounding structures. Patience is rewarded with this tree, as seedlings may take years to exhibit a spectacular floral display. Create a stunning contrast by pairing it with blue-flowered Jacarandas. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of the Flame Tree—each bloom cycle a testament to nature's grandeur.