Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)
Norfolk Island Pine, House Pine
Elegant, Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine) is a pyramidal evergreen conifer of symmetrical habit with regular tiers of whorled, horizontal branches radiating outward from the strong, upright trunk. The juvenile leaves are needle-like, incurved, green while the adult leaves are scale-like, incurved, densely arranged, bright dark green. The bark is gray-brown, exfoliating in fine scales. Norfolk Island Pine is dioecious, with the male and female cones on separate trees. The female cones, up to 6 in long (15 cm), are globular, spiny-scaled. The male cones, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), are cylindrical and borne in clusters. Female cones are produced on trees older than 15 years and male cones on trees older than 40 years. A slow-growing, but long-lived species, Araucaria heterophylla is a popular ornamental and avenue tree in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in coastal areas. It is a magnificent focal point. It is also commonly grown in pots and containers as a decorative indoor plant.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 100-200 ft. tall (30-60 m) and 20-25 ft. wide (6-8 m).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in moderately fertile, deep, porous, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of windy conditions.
- In containers, use a well drained loam-based potting soil with extra perlite. Water freely during the growing season and keep the compost just moist during the winter. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye our for honey fungus.
- No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
- Propagate by seed sown in seedbed as soon as ripe; take cuttings of vertical shoot tips in midsummer and root in a cold frame; cuttings of horizontal side branches will not form an upright tree.
- Native to Norfolk Island.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 9
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Araucaria - Monkey Puzzle Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 100' – 200' (30m – 60m) |
Spread | 20' – 25' (6m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Salt |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |
By Peter Turner Photography, Andrey Bespalov, Shutterstok
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 9
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Araucaria - Monkey Puzzle Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 100' – 200' (30m – 60m) |
Spread | 20' – 25' (6m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Salt |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |