Australian frangipani is the only Australian species of Hymenosporum and is native to the coastal brush forests of east Australia, extending from the Hunter River in New South Wales to Atherton in Queensland.
Although it will grow to 25m in tropical Queensland, it won't do that in our neck of the
woods. Here it's likely to remain a slim, upright tree of 5m to 10m.
The branch structure is quite open, so it's great for scattering light shade. It has deep green leaves and the flowers are to die for - small and tubular, starting out a rich cream colour and turning yellow as they age, with a tropical fragrance that's exquisite. It flowers in spring and early summer.
The trees are evergreen and will tolerate light frosts, but will defoliate in prolonged cold winds or very wintry conditions.
Frequent pruning of the tip growth from an early age and after flowering will keep the trees much more compact, which is encouraging for those planning avenues.
Frangipani like sun, well-drained soil and shelter from the worst of the wind.
