Araucaria araucana 3L
With its startling silhouette, the national tree of Chile, Araucaria araucana is a delightful talking point in any garden. Its fascinating dark leaves cover the branches with geometrical precision making a sculptural statement in shiny, dark evergreen.
- Pot size: 3 litres
- Height and Spread: 4-8m (13-26ft) x 2.5-4m (8-13ft) in 20-50 years (reaches over 8m after 50 years)
With its startling silhouette, the national tree of Chile, Araucaria araucana is a delightful talking point in any garden. Its fascinating dark leaves cover the branches with geometrical precision making a sculptural statement in shiny, dark evergreen.
It was brought to Europe in the 1790s, gaining popularity amongst Victorian and Edwardian gardeners, its distinctive foliage causing a 19th-century viewer to observe that trying to climb it would 'puzzle a monkey'. A living fossil, it flourished alongside the dinosaurs (who found it unpalatable) and is able to withstand lava!
- Extremely slow growing, eventually large evergreen
- Hardy
- Fertile, well drained soil
- Full Sun, partial shade
- South, east or west facing
- Sheltered
While the tree is establishing itself, ensure it does not dry out, particularly if planted in a container. Otherwise it requires little attention and no pruning. It will take up to 40 years to produce cones.