Native Frangipani / Queensland Frangipani
Botanical Name: Hymenosporum flavum
Family: Pittosporaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia (NSW–QLD rainforests) & New Guinea
Plant Type: Evergreen tree
Overview
Hymenosporum flavum (Native Frangipani) brings instant romance to South Australian gardens. A neat, evergreen canopy carries highly perfumed tubular flowers that open cream and age to butter yellow in spring–early summer, filling courtyards and patios with scent. Tough once established, it’s ideal as a feature, screen or avenue tree in coastal and Mediterranean climates.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 6–10 m H × 3–5 m W (can be kept 3–5 m with pruning)
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Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Evergreen, glossy deep-green leaves; new growth often bronze; dense, tidy canopy
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Flowers: Masses of fragrant cream → yellow, starry/tubular blooms in spring–early summer; decorative pods follow
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Seasonal Interest: Year-round structure; peak spring–summer colour and fragrance; pods late summer–autumn
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Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and butterflies; shelter for small birds
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect young plants)
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9–16 m² (3–4 m apart); screening: 2–3 m apart
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Pet Friendly: Yes — not known to be toxic to cats/dogs; discourage chewing
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
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Soil: Well-drained sandy loam to loam; tolerates clay-loam if drainage is improved
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light prune after flowering to shape; fertilise in early spring with a balanced slow-release
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Lifespan: 25–40+ years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
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Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Perfumed feature near windows, patios and entryways for evening fragrance
- Evergreen screening/hedging along boundaries; clip lightly after flowering for a refined finish
- Avenue or courtyard specimen; underplant with shade-tolerant natives (Dianella, Lomandra) for a lush, low-care layer
Why You Will Love It
A show-stopping perfume plant that performs: generous bloom, rich scent, and a tidy evergreen canopy with minimal fuss. Native Frangipani thrives in SA conditions, attracts pollinators, and quickly elevates patios, courtyards and streetscapes—making it a high-impact, low-maintenance investment for your garden.
