Callitris rhomboidea – Oyster Bay Pine

This native conifer is a highly ornamental and useful evergreen tree which grows across Australia in a variety of conditions. Hardy and drought tolerant, it responds well to pruning and its upright form with dense foliage makes it an excellent screen or hedge. It can also be grown as a shade tree, growing into the pyramid shape typical of pine trees if left unpruned. Great for landscape and garden use, particularly where water use is a concern. Grows in all soil types with little maintenance needed, if grown in very poor soil it will require regular watering while establishing. It makes a great feature tree as the foliage takes on a purple tinge in cooler months, and the distinct pine cones which form after flowering add to its appeal and can remain on the tree for years.

Family:Cupressaceae
Scientific Name:Callitris rhomboidea
Common Name:Oyster Bay Pine
Other Common Names:Port Jackson Pine
Plant Type:Small tree
Height:8 ~ 12 metres
Width:2 ~ 4 metres
Flower Colour:Brown
Flowering Time:All year
Ph Level:Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type:Sandy, Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil
Plant Environment:Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Cold climate, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Climate Zone:Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Cool, Semi-arid
Light:Sunny
Growth Habit:Evergreen, Dense foliage, Column-shaped
Lifespan:Perennial
Soil Moisture:Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage, Boggy poorly drained
Frost Tolerance:Tolerates heavy frost, Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage:Hedge, Feature plant, Screen, Windbreak
Special Uses:Street tree, Bog gardens, Decorative fruit, Erosion control, Bird nesting plant, Pollution tolerant, Fast growing, Playground friendly

WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT

Once you have found the plant that you want, the next step is to find where to get it. Nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may or may not have the wanted plant in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you.  Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you want, they can often suggest alternative plants that will be just as good for you. Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-

 

The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW 

 

Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW

 

Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW

 

Cool Country Natives – ACT

 

Geelong Native Plants – Victoria

 

Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria

 

Zanthorrea Nursery – Perth WA

 

Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia

 

MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –

 

Sydney Wildflower Nursery – mail order

 

The Native Shop – mail order

 

 

 

Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.