Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)

When it flowers

January, not flowering
February, not flowering
March, not flowering
April, not flowering
May, not flowering
June, not flowering
July, not flowering
August, not flowering
September, not flowering
October, flowering
November, flowering
December, flowering

The berries of the Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) are not really edible, though they look pretty good. Jannali NSW Australia, December 2008.. Photo: John Tann from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The leaves of the Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) have a white powder-like appearance around the rim, and turn red before falling off. Jannali NSW Australia, December 2008.. Photo: John Tann from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Elaeocarpaceae Australian rainforest small tree. The flowers are usually white but a pink form is in cultivation (sometimes called "Prima Donna") anpsa.org.au/e-ret.html This …. Photo: Tatiana Gerus from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Small tree with fringed bell flowers in late spring and bright blue berries for birds.

An adaptable small tree of eastern forests. In late spring it is hung with small, fringed bell flowers, white or pink, followed by bright blue berries that birds eat. Neat and narrow enough for small gardens; 'Prima Donna' is a pink-flowered selection.

In the garden

Feature plant
Hedging
Screening

Flowers: Small fringed bell flowers, white or pink, with a faint aniseed scent.
Leaves: Glossy, toothed, veined leaves; old leaves turn red before falling.
Attracts: Birds, pollinating insects and shelter for small wildlife

Growing conditions

Climate: Subtropical and temperate
Light: Full sun to full shade
Soil: Sandy, loam and clay
Drainage: Needs good drainage
Frost: Moderate frost
Water: Some dry spells
Coast: Sheltered coastal gardens

Planting and care

Grown from: Seed and cuttings

Planting

Sun or shade in well-drained soil. Space 2 m apart for a screen.

Pruning

Takes light pruning after flowering.

Care

Water in dry spells while young; hardy once established.

Where it comes from

Family: Elaeocarpaceae
Order: Oxalidales
Native to: New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria
Natural range: Forest and rainforest margins from south-east Queensland to eastern Victoria and Flinders Island.

Widely available.

We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.

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Blueberry ash Elaeocarpus reticulatus