Lexi Webster
Australia's sun-soaked landscapes and dry climate make fast-growing trees a popular choice for gardens. Native Australian trees are often a good option due to their adaptability to local environments, but there are also many exotic species that can thrive in Australia's unique conditions. From the iconic gum tree to the delicate magnolia, here are some of the fastest-growing trees in Australia and the benefits they bring to any garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fast-growing native Australian trees | Lilly Pilly, Gum trees, Cypress pines, Jacarandas, Chinese Elm, Australian Willow, Brush Box, Bottle Tree, Claret Ash, Golden Ash, Illawarra Flame, Blueberry Ash, Australian Hibiscus, Teddy Bear Magnolia, Tahitian Lime, Forest Pansy, Backhousia citriodora, Tristaniopsis laurina, Dwarf Gum |
| Height | Varies depending on the species. Some grow up to 3 meters, while others can reach over 30 meters. |
| Soil conditions | Well-drained soil is common across many of the species. Some prefer sandy or loamy soil, while others can adapt to a variety of soil conditions. |
| Watering | Many of the drought-tolerant trees require minimal watering once established, but occasional watering promotes optimal growth. Trees like the Tahitian Lime and Magnolia require regular watering. |
| Climate | Some trees prefer warmer climates, while others are suited for cooler climates. The Australian Willow, for example, thrives in drier regions. |
| Sun exposure | Most trees prefer full sun to partial shade. |
| Other features | Some trees are valued for their rapid growth, dense foliage, attractive flowers, fragrant leaves, or ability to provide shade. |
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What You'll Learn
Native Australian trees
Another fast-growing native Australian tree is the Acacia Podalyriifolia, or Silver Wattle, known for its silvery foliage and bright yellow flowers. Wattles are short-lived trees with a lifespan of 7-12 years, but they grow rapidly, adding 0.5-1 meter of growth annually. The Blackwood, or Acacia melanoxylon, is another Acacia tree that shoots up to 30 meters tall and bears sweet-smelling yellow flowers. The Banksia integrifolia, or Coast Banksia, is a hardy, fast-growing tree with cylindrical flowers in shades of yellow or orange that attract native birds.
The Blueberry Ash, or Elaeocarpus reticulatus, is a small tree or tall shrub native to the eastern coast of Australia. It is low-maintenance and thrives in sandy or loamy soils. The Brush Box is another evergreen tree native to the rainforests of Australia's eastern coast, known for its thick, rough bark and glossy leaves. The Silky Oak, or Grevillea robusta, is a stunning, fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 20 meters. It has feathery leaves that resemble fern plants and vibrant flowers, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Other fast-growing native Australian trees include the Australian Willow, known for its weeping form and slender, drooping branches; the Bottle Tree, which is recognised for its bulbous trunk and star-shaped flowers; the Paperbark Tree, which has papery bark and creamy white flowers; and the Black Sheoak, which provides excellent shade and windbreaks with its needle-like foliage and slender form.
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Evergreen trees
The blueberry ash tree (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia. It grows blue berries after its white or pink flowers have wilted. Blueberry ash is a small tree or tall shrub that thrives in sandy or loamy soils, with full sun to partial shade. It can grow to be about 3m wide and 10m-15m high.
The weeping lily pilly is another graceful, evergreen tree known for its drooping branches and glossy, dark green leaves. It features lush, “weeping” foliage and grows up to 7–8 metres. It produces clusters of white flowers followed by pink berries, making it a favourite for ornamental planting and hedging. The Lilly Pilly Waterhousea floribunda is another evergreen tree that produces blue fruits that contrast with its glossy green leaves. It grows up to 12 metres and prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Lemon-scented myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the rainforests of Queensland. It offers shade and shelter, along with fragrant, lemon-scented leaves. It grows to around 8m high and 4m wide and is laden with clusters of white flowers in summer.
Gum trees are indigenous to Australia and are known for their fast growth. The Forest Red Gum tree, for example, can swiftly grow to around 50 metres. It features rough, multi-coloured bark and its wood has been traditionally used for heavy construction.
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Drought-tolerant trees
The Australian Willow is not a true willow, but its weeping form can easily deceive. It is a compact tree with slender, drooping branches that host lance-shaped leaves. It can be grown as a stand-alone specimen or pruned into a hedge. This tree thrives with deep watering sessions in its early stages and a sunny position.
The Bottle Tree is native to Australia and is renowned for its bulbous trunk, which resembles a bottle. It can be an interesting focal point, especially when it blooms with star-shaped flowers. It thrives in full sun and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions.
The Illawarra Flame is another drought-tolerant tree. While it can withstand prolonged dry periods once established, occasional watering promotes optimal growth.
The Red Flowering Gum (Corymbia Ficifolia) is native to Western Australia but is widely cultivated and suitable for areas with low rainfall. It is loved for its vibrant pink-orange blossoms.
The Lemon Scented Gum (Eucalyptus Citriodora) is a statement tree with a smooth white trunk, creamy white flowers, and a beautiful lemon fragrance. It grows to an impressive height of 20-30 metres.
The Olive Tree, native to the Mediterranean, is a popular, low-maintenance option for areas with long, hot summers and cool winters. Common varieties planted in Australia include Kalamata, Manzanillo, and Frantoio, which produce delicious black or green olives or wonderful olives for oil-making.
Wattle trees are also excellent drought-tolerant options, with their silvery green-blue foliage and vibrant yellow blossoms. The Acacia Spectabilis (Mudgee Wattle or Glory Wattle) and Acacia Macradenia (Zig-zag Wattle) are native to New South Wales and Queensland, respectively, while the Acacia Podalyriifolia (Queensland Silver Wattle) is native to Queensland and grows to a height of seven metres.
Other drought-tolerant trees include the Claret Ash, which is native to South Australia and can tolerate drier conditions, and the Tahitian Lime, which thrives in warmer climates and well-drained soil.
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Deciduous trees
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple is a small, attractive deciduous tree that produces year-round colour. In the spring, its foliage is a beautiful green that transitions to bright shades of orange and yellow in the autumn. It prefers part shade and afternoon shade and can grow to a height of 4-6m and a width of 4-5m.
Crepe Myrtle
Crepe Myrtles are deciduous trees that make beautiful ornamental trees bursting with bright shades of purple, white, and pink. They are fast-growing and can vary in size from small to medium trees. Crepe Myrtles are perfect as feature trees or shade trees.
Eastern Redbud
The Eastern redbud is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is popular for its pretty pink flowers, which bloom in spring and attract loads of pollinators. It grows well in part shade but prefers full sun. It is also drought-tolerant and can grow to a height of 7-10 feet in just five years, eventually reaching around 20-30 feet.
Claret Ash
The Claret Ash is revered for its captivating burgundy-red autumn foliage and young green leaves in spring. It requires ample space as it can spread out, and well-drained soil. While it can tolerate drier conditions, occasional watering will keep it looking its best.
Golden Ash
The Golden Ash tree is a beautiful sight, especially in autumn when its leaves turn golden. It stands out in any landscape and adds a touch of elegance. The Golden Ash prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sunny location but can tolerate a little shade.
Other Notable Deciduous Trees
- Indian Summer Crepe Myrtle: Thrives in challenging conditions such as drought and salt.
- Australian Willow: Can be grown as a stand-alone specimen or pruned into a hedge.
- Bottle Tree: Renowned for its bulbous trunk and drought tolerance.
- Illawarra Flame Tree: Known for its striking red-orange flowers and wide spread, providing ample shade.
- Gum Trees: Indigenous to Australia, with diverse features ranging from their bark to their leaves and flowers.
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Australian natives and exotic trees
Native Australian trees are a popular choice for Australian gardens due to their adaptability to local environments. Some of the fastest-growing native trees include the Australian Willow, Bottle Tree, Illawarra Flame, and Gum Trees. The Australian Willow, despite its name, is not a true willow but has a weeping form with slender, drooping branches. It can be grown as a standalone tree or pruned into a hedge. The Bottle Tree is native to Australia and is known for its bulbous trunk. It thrives in full sun and various soil conditions. The Illawarra Flame is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering. The Gum Tree is indigenous to Australia and is known for its diverse features, including its bark, leaves, and flowers.
Other fast-growing native trees include the Dwarf Gum, which provides the benefits of a large gum tree without growing into a giant, and the Lilly Pilly, which comes in many varieties, from small shrubs to big trees. The Lilly Pilly is beneficial to native birds and other pollinators, and its flowers turn into edible pink berries. The Native Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) is another fast-growing native shrub or tree with hibiscus-like flowers. The Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula) is a native rainforest tree valued for its fast growth and attractive foliage.
In addition to native trees, there are also several exotic fast-growing trees suitable for Australian gardens. The Tahitian Lime, for example, thrives in warmer climates and well-drained soil. It grows to about three meters tall and produces scented white blossoms and limes. The Forest Pansy or Purple Redbud variety of this tree grows to around five meters in height and should be planted in a protected garden rather than a pot. The Magnolia, with its glossy deep-green leaves and fragrant white flowers, is another exotic tree that grows in most conditions, even in coastal areas. However, it requires regular watering to maintain its lushness.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many fast-growing trees in Australia, including the Lilly Pilly, Gum Tree, and Cypress Pine. Native Australian trees are often a good choice because they adapt well to local environments.
Some fast-growing native Australian trees include the Australian Willow, Bottle Tree, Illawarra Flame, and Claret Ash. The Australian Hibiscus is also a fast-growing native shrub/tree.
Some fast-growing non-native trees that can be grown in Australia include the Magnolia, Tahitian Lime, Chinese Elm, and Oleander.
