🌲 Araucaria bidwillii

Araucaria bidwillii, known as the Bunya Pine or Bunya-Bunya Tree, is a prehistoric-looking conifer native to Queensland, Australia, where it is culturally significant to Indigenous communities and ecologically notable for its massive edible cones. In the UK, it is grown as a rare ornamental specimen, admired for its majestic, symmetrical form, slow growth, and imposing stature.

This evergreen conifer produces horizontal tiers of strong, sweeping branches densely clothed in stiff, sharply pointed triangular leaves, giving the plant a robust and armoured appearance. In its native habitat, it can reach heights of over 30–40 metres, but in the UK’s cooler climate, growth is far slower and more compact, making it manageable in larger gardens, estates, and arboretums.

As it matures, Araucaria bidwillii becomes a grand architectural statement, suitable for those with space and patience. It is drought-tolerant once established, wind-resistant, and ideal for well-drained soils in mild UK regions.

🛠️ Araucaria bidwillii – Comprehensive Care Guide

🌞 Light Requirements

• Prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade when young.

• Best planted in an open position where it has room to grow symmetrically.

• Avoid crowded locations or areas with poor airflow.

🌱 Soil

• Grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils.

• Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay – amend soil with grit and organic matter if needed.

• Suitable for sandy, loamy, or stony ground.

• Once established, tolerates poorer soils as long as drainage is good.

💧 Watering

• Water deeply during the first 2–3 years after planting to establish a strong root system.

• Once established, it is drought-tolerant and rarely needs additional watering.

• Avoid consistently wet roots, particularly in winter.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness

• Hardy to around -8°C to -10°C when mature; young plants are more frost-sensitive.

• In colder areas of the UK, provide winter protection for young specimens (e.g., fleece wrap or wind shelter).

• Best grown in mild coastal areas, sheltered woodlands, or large formal gardens.

🍽️ Feeding

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring for the first few years to support early growth.

• Mature trees rarely need feeding unless in nutrient-poor soil.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required – do not prune the main leader, as this will spoil the natural form.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or lower branches only as necessary.

• Handle with care – leaves are rigid and sharply pointed.

🪴 Repotting / Planting Position

• Not suitable for long-term container growing – best planted in the ground in a permanent position.

• Choose a site with ample space – final spread can exceed 8–10 metres over decades.

• Allow for deep root development and vertical clearance.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Generally pest- and disease-free in the UK.

• Ensure good drainage and airflow to prevent fungal issues in damp conditions.

☠️ Toxicity

• Non-toxic, though the cones can be dangerously heavy if allowed to fall from mature trees.

• In native habitats, cones can weigh up to 10kg – not usually an issue in UK due to smaller cone production in cooler climates.

🌟 Top Tips for Success

• A magnificent choice for landscaped estates, botanical gardens, or feature trees in large gardens.

• Grow in a sheltered, sunny location with excellent drainage.

• Combine with tree ferns, monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana) or conifers for a Jurassic or heritage garden look.