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Neolitsea dealbata

bolly gum

Lauraceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Neolitsea dealbata is an evergreen rainforest shrub or small tree reaching 10-26 feet (3-8 m) tall and 6-13 feet (1.8-4 m) wide, with an upright trunk and a layered, spreading crown. Leaves are arranged in distinct whorls at the branch tips, elliptic to oblong, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, with three main veins from the base, dark green above and conspicuously blue-white to silvery beneath. New growth emerges soft and rusty bronze, covered in soft hairs, before hardening to green. Small cream to pale yellow flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across cluster in the leaf axils in autumn and winter. Rounded fleshy fruit 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) across follow, ripening from green to black. Growth is moderate. The species needs shelter, moist soil, and protection from frost and drying wind, and is slow to establish in exposed positions.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from Cape York in Queensland through New South Wales, in and along the margins of rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest on moist, fertile soils from near sea level to about 3,300 feet (1,000 m).

Suggested Uses

Planted as an understorey or screen shrub in shaded rainforest-style, courtyard, and native gardens, spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) apart. The silver leaf undersides and bronze new growth suit sheltered, filtered-light plantings. Frost sensitivity and a need for moisture limit use in cold or exposed gardens.

How to Identify

Recognized by the leaves held in clear whorls at the branch tips, each leaf with three main veins and a blue-white to silvery underside, and by the rusty bronze new growth. Cream flowers cluster in the leaf axils and are followed by black rounded fruit. The whorled, three-veined, white-backed leaves separate it from most other rainforest shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 26'

Width/Spread6' - 13'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Fall Winter

Flowers mainly in autumn and winter, March to July in its native range. The small clusters open over several weeks and draw insects. Fruit ripens through the following spring and summer, turning from green to black.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Cream to pale yellow

Foliage Description

Dark green above, blue-white beneath, bronze when new

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-5 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 clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

4-6 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in part shade to filtered light in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, sheltered from strong wind and frost. Water regularly through the first two seasons and during dry spells; the plant wilts and drops leaves in extended drought. A leaf-litter mulch keeps the roots cool and moist. Frost below about 30 F (-1 C) damages young growth, so a sheltered position suits it. Few pests affect it, though leaves may be chewed by rainforest insects.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to shape the crown or limit height. The plant reshoots from older wood after cutting back. Dead or crossing branches can be removed as needed; the whorled branching needs little correction.

Pruning Schedule

winter