Lophostemon or Tristania–commonly called brush box–is an evergreen tree or tall shrub native to subtropical regions of Australia and New Guinea. It can be grown as a shade tree or tall hedge. Where not hardy it can be grown in a cool or warm greenhouse.
Brush box–also called Brisbane box–can grow 30-50 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. It has distinctive red-brown bark on trunks and branches and large leathery leaves that are deep green above, and pale green beneath, Small creamy white flowers occur in summer.
Get to Know
- Plant type: Evergreen tree
- Growing zones and range: Zones 9-15
- Hardiness: Can withstand light frost
- Height and width: 30-50 feet (10-15m) tall and 10-30 feet (3-10m) wide
- Foliage: Lance-shaped to ovate, smooth bright green leaves
- Flowers: Cymes of 3-7 small, star-shaped flowers
- Bloom time: Spring and summer
- Uses: Shade tree, hedge
- Common name: Brush box, Brisbane box
- Botanical name: Lophostem (syn. Tristania)
- Family name: Myrtaceae
- Origin: N.E. Australia, S. New Guinea
Where to Plant
- Grow Lophostem in full sun.
- Lophostem will grow in poor to moderately fertile, neutral to acidic, moist, but well-drained soil.
- Indoors, grow Lophostmon in full or bright filtered light.
When to Plant
- Set container-grown Lophostemon in the garden in spring or autumn.
Planting and Spacing
- Space Lophostemon 20-30 feet (6-10m) apart.
How to Water and Feed
- Lophostemon grows best in just moist soil.
- Fertilize Lophostem with an all-purpose organic fertilizer in spring.
Care
- Trim or prune Lophostemon in summer when blooms have finished.
Growing Lophostemon Indoors
- Lophostem can be grown as a foliage plant in a cool or warm greenhouse.
- Give Lophostem full or bright filtered light.
- Keep the soil just moist and apply a half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly.
Pests and Diseases
- Spider mites may attach Lophostem when grown indoors.
Propagation
- Sow seed in spring at about 60°F.
- Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat.
Varieties to Grow
- Lophostemon confertus (Tristania confertus). Round-headed tree to 50 feet tall and 10 feet across; smooth, ovate, bright green leaves to 6 inches long; star-shaped white flowers to 1-inch across.
- L. lacfifluus. Round-headed tree to 50 feet tall and 10 feet across; mid-green leaves to 6 inches long; small star-shaped flowers in summer.
