Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)

It is a beautiful, slender native evergreen tree for a temperate to subtropical garden. Growing naturally in moist, rainforest areas of eastern Australia, it thrives in partially shaded spots and in areas that are regularly watered but not wet.

Blueberry ash is grown as a feature tree eventually reaching up to 7-10m x 3-4m in size. With a graceful habit and usually a single trunk it can also be planted as a screen along a fence line or to line a driveway. More closely planted trees are generally smaller in height.

The plant is appreciated for its small, serrated dark evergreen leaves, which have a pinkish hue when young and turn deep green as they mature. It produces clusters of small, fringed bell-shaped flowers in white or pink, alongside an abundance of dark blue berries during late summer and autumn. These berries are edible and attract fruit-eating birds.

For a smaller garden space, check out hardware and garden centres for dwarf cultivars that suit your specific location. Here are two to consider:

• ‘Green Dream’ has bright green leaves and white flowers, followed by bright bird-attracting, shiny, blue fruit. This native shrub brings colour and shape to the garden. Growing to around 3m high and 2m wide, it is ideal as a small feature tree or used as a hedging plant along a fence or driveway.
• ‘Prima Donna’ has slightly perfumed, very pink flowers and outstanding evergreen foliage, bronze when new. It grows to around 4-7m high and 3m wide and is great to use as a low-maintenance feature tree or screening plant.

Growing conditions

Aspect Blueberry ash thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location, especially one that receives morning sun.

Soil Best with rich, well-drained neutral, to acidic soil. Before planting add homemade compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. Dwarf cultivars can be grown in a large container with premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix and good drainage.

Climate Blueberry ash thrives in a variety of climates from temperate to subtropical. They need protection from frost, especially when young. They will also tolerate coastal conditions.

General care

Watering Water regularly, especially when establishing and through summer or in prolonged dry periods, to encourage strong growth. Apply Seasol when planting to aid plant establishment and regularly throughout the year for strong, healthy growth.

Feeding and mulching Blueberry ash responds well to feeding with a granular fertiliser for native plants such as PowerFeed Controlled Release All Purpose including Natives during the growing season, especially when new growth appears. You can also boost growth at any time of year with liquid PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives.

Mulch plants with recycled bark, eucalyptus mulch and pine bark mulch. It promotes microorganism activity in the soil, keeps the roots cool and retains soil moisture (keep mulches away from the tree trunk). 

Pruning They are naturally elegant with a central leader. Little pruning is needed except to shape as a feature tree. If hedging the plant, prune it from a young age to get the desired shape.

Watch out This plant has few pest or disease problems. The occasional red leaf is normal as older leaves are discarded.