Conifer · Tree
Wollemia nobilis
Wollemi pine
A living fossil conifer with bubbly bark, flat, dark green leaves and bright lime-green new growth.
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 12–2 m (39–66 ft)
- 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
- H4 · Zone 8
- Evergreen
Overview
Known only from fossils until 1994, when fewer than 100 trees were found in a remote canyon near Sydney, the Wollemi pine is one of the world's rarest trees and remains critically endangered in the wild. Garden-grown plants help secure its future. It forms an upright, often multi-stemmed tree with distinctive bubbly, chocolate-brown bark and soft, flat, dark green leaves in two rows, with vivid lime-green new shoots. It is hardy through most of the UK (RHS H4, about -10°C), grows slowly, and does well in a large container for many years.
At a Glance
Growing Conditions
Aspect Suitability
- East-facing
- South-facing
- West-facing
Soil Tolerance
- Sandy
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
Foliage
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: 12 months of the year
Seasonal Timeline
- Foliage 12 months of the year
- Fruiting Sep Oct Nov
- Propagate Mar Apr May Aug Sep
Maintenance Calendar
- Apr Feed pot-grown trees with a slow-release fertiliser in spring, as containers lose nutrients with every watering
- Jun Keep compost evenly moist in summer, since it suffers if pots dry out completely
- Nov Shelter young or potted trees from harsh, freezing winds, which brown the foliage
Garden Design
Works well in: Japanese / Zen, Modern / Contemporary, Tropical / Exotic, Woodland / Shade
A remarkable talking point as a lawn specimen or patio tree in a large pot. Shelter young plants from cold, drying winds.
Companion planting: Tree ferns, Cordylines, Grasses, Ferns
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
Not known to be toxic.