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Castanospermum australe (Black bean tree)
1 hour care
per year
per year
30m
Max height
Max height
12m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Castanospermum australe
Other names
Black bean tree, Moreton Bay chestnut, Australian chestnut
Genus
Castanospermum Castanospermum
Species
C. australe - C. australe is a tender, open, spreading, evergreen tree with pinnate, oval to lance-shaped leaves divided into elliptic to oblong, glossy, slightly curved, dark green leaflets and racemes of orange, red, or yellow flowers from late spring to late summer followed by thick pods containing black seeds.
Castanospermum australe is: Evergreen
Habit
Spreading, Open branches
Flower
Yellow, Orange, Red in Spring; Red, Orange, Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Typically needs restrictive pruning under glass.
Propagation
Sow seed at 13-18C (55-64F) in early spring or when ripe in late autumn.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Castanospermum australe (Black bean tree) will reach a height of 30m and a spread of 12m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Waterside, Specimen tree
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in fertile, deep, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in sun or partial shade. Do not allow to dry out. Tolerates short periods of temperatures at 0C (32F). Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely & feed monthly. Top-dress or pot on in early spring.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Castanospermum australe
Other names
Black bean tree, Moreton Bay chestnut, Australian chestnut
Genus
Castanospermum Castanospermum
Species
C. australe - C. australe is a tender, open, spreading, evergreen tree with pinnate, oval to lance-shaped leaves divided into elliptic to oblong, glossy, slightly curved, dark green leaflets and racemes of orange, red, or yellow flowers from late spring to late summer followed by thick pods containing black seeds.
Native to
Australia
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading, Open branches
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Colour
Flower
Yellow, Orange, Red in Spring; Red, Orange, Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Typically needs restrictive pruning under glass.
Propagation
Sow seed at 13-18C (55-64F) in early spring or when ripe in late autumn.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Castanospermum australe (Black bean tree) will reach a height of 30m and a spread of 12m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Waterside, Specimen tree
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in fertile, deep, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in sun or partial shade. Do not allow to dry out. Tolerates short periods of temperatures at 0C (32F). Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely & feed monthly. Top-dress or pot on in early spring.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 12, Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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