Hymenosporum flavum (Australian frangipani)

Poyt448 Peter Woodard, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons

Hymenosporum spp.

Pittosporaceae Eastern Australia and New Guinea

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (strong)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Hymenosporum spp. is a genus in the family Pittosporaceae represented by the single species H. flavum, the native frangipani, a rainforest tree of eastern Australia and New Guinea. In cultivation it forms a slender, upright tree 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall, taller in forest, with a narrow crown and tiers of glossy, dark green, oval leaves clustered toward the branch tips. From spring into early summer it carries open clusters of tubular flowers about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide that open cream and age to deep yellow and gold, so a tree often shows both colours at once. The flowers are strongly scented, with a sweet fragrance carried on warm evenings, and are followed by flattened, pear-shaped woody capsules holding many thin, winged seeds. Despite the common name, the tree is unrelated to true frangipani (Plumeria spp.). It grows quickly when young and suits warm-temperate to subtropical gardens, but the soft, brittle wood and shallow roots make young trees prone to wind damage. Frost cuts back tender growth, so it is grown mainly in mild, sheltered positions.

Native Range

Native to subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest of eastern Australia, from New South Wales to Queensland, and to New Guinea.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a flowering shade and street tree in warm-temperate and subtropical gardens, and as a fragrant specimen near patios and paths. The narrow crown suits smaller gardens and courtyards. It is also planted in rainforest restoration within its native range.

How to Identify

Recognised as a slender, upright tree with glossy dark green oval leaves clustered at the branch tips and terminal clusters of tubular flowers that open cream and age to deep yellow. The flowers are strongly and sweetly fragrant. Flattened pear-shaped woody capsules split to release many flat winged seeds.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'

Width/Spread10' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from spring into early summer, about September to December in Australia. Each cluster opens cream and deepens to yellow and gold over several days, so both colours appear together. The scent is strongest in the evening, and woody seed capsules follow through summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Cream aging to deep yellow

Foliage Description

Dark green, glossy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Hymenosporum spp. grows in full sun to part shade in warm-temperate to subtropical climates on moist, free-draining soils rich in organic matter. It needs shelter from strong wind, as the brittle wood and shallow roots leave young trees prone to damage. Steady moisture suits it while young, and established trees tolerate short dry spells but not prolonged drought. It is frost-tender, and cold cuts back soft growth, so a sheltered, mild position is used in cooler areas. A spring mulch and light feeding support the fast early growth. It is grown from seed, which germinates readily.

Pruning

Light formative pruning when young builds a single leader and an even crown, done after flowering. The brittle wood means large limbs are removed cleanly to avoid tearing. Little pruning is needed once the framework is set.