Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island 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.