Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula)

Ideal for urban and suburban landscapes in South East Queensland, Tulipwood is valued for its compact, upright growth and non-invasive roots. It provides dense, glossy green foliage that offers cooling shade, making it a great street or garden tree for reducing heat in built-up areas. Small yellowish flowers in spring and summer attract pollinators, while its bright orange seed capsules provide a food source for birds. This species is well-suited to a variety of soils, from sandy coastal areas to more structured loamy soils, and it tolerates South East Queensland’s seasonal rainfall patterns well.

Watering preferences:

• Drought-tolerant once established but may benefit from occasional deep watering in dry spells.

Mulching preferences:

• Applying mulch may help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilising preferences:

• A balanced fertiliser in spring may encourage healthy growth.

Pruning preferences:

• Pruning can be done to shape the tree and maintain a compact form.

Good to Know:

• Well-suited to urban landscapes, providing shade and wind protection.
• Slow-growing but long-lived, making it a great feature tree for South East Queensland gardens.