Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton rupestris) – Rare Drought-Tolerant Tree – Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

Native to Queensland, Australia, the Brachychiton rupestris is a truly unique tree built for extremes — thriving in regions with 6 months of rain followed by 6 months of drought. Its swollen, bottle-shaped trunk acts as a natural water reservoir, allowing it to survive long dry periods with ease. Starting from seed, it grows quickly and is surprisingly easy to produce, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners and collectors alike.

In landscaping, the Queensland Bottle Tree is a high-end statement piece — featured in both outdoor and indoor designs, from expansive estates to luxury interiors in places like Hollywood and Beverly Hills. For interior use, trees are sometimes cleaned of soil to showcase their dramatic buttress roots, creating a sculptural focal point in living spaces such as dining rooms. Grown in Elfin Forest, California from premium seed, our specimens are cultivated for strength, beauty, and long-term performance.

✅ Description Highlights

• Distinctive swollen, bottle-shaped trunk with dense, green canopy
• Native to Queensland, Australia — locally grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Outdoor height: up to 60 ft (18 m) in ideal climates; indoor height: smaller with container growth
• Fast growth from seed; quicker in warm climates, slower in containers
• High-end landscaping tree — sculptural form and dramatic buttress roots
• Thrives in full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal watering once established
• Cold-sensitive; hardy in USDA Zones 9–11 (protect below 25°F / -4°C)
• ⚠️ Non-toxic to pets — safe around dogs and cats

🛠️ Basic Care

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy mix
• Grow Habit (Dormancy): Evergreen to semi-deciduous depending on climate
• Hardiness: Protect below 25°F (-4°C); USDA Zones 9–11
• Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer in spring promotes strong growth

📦 Shipping & Guarantee

We are currently unable to ship live plants to Florida or Hawaii due to regulations.

We offer a flat shipping rate of $10 per order, no matter how many plants / cuttings you purchase. All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which typically arrives in 1–3 business days. If you would like to upgrade to Express, just send us a message before checking out.

Cuttings are packed carefully to ensure they arrive healthy and intact.

Weather Note: Please keep an eye on your local forecast before ordering. If temperatures are below 55°F in your area, we recommend purchasing a heat pack, available as a separate item in our shop. This helps protect your plant during transit in cold conditions.

Please message us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo if there are any issues with your order. We’ll do our best to make it right.

Please Note: Each plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, shape, and color. Growth and performance after delivery depend on your care and environment, so we cannot guarantee plant performance beyond arrival.