Native Christmas Trees

Go native this festive season.

Show your love for our native trees this Christmas! Potted native plants make fantastic Christmas trees and exude a unique Australian Christmas vibe that just can’t be achieved with a plastic tree, or an exotic farmed pine.

Excellent local choices for potted Christmas trees include the Bunya (Araucaria bidwillii), the Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghammii) and the Coastal Cypress Pine (Callitris columellaris). These native conifers all have a pleasing conical shape, perfect for an artful draping of tinsel, and installation of a triumphant tree topper such as star or angel.

The branches of small potted Bunya and Hoop pines are reasonably sturdy, so can support hanging decorations, while the softer foliage of Coastal Cypress pines will appreciate a lighter decorating touch, especially when young.

Native Christmas trees can be purchased from our local community native nurseries, such as Coolum Community Native Nursery, Noosa and District Landcare and Mooloolah River Landcare. Once the festive season is over, trees should be placed outside in a position with at least half a day of sun. While reasonably drought tolerant, your potted tree will appreciate regular water, good drainage and some slow-release fertilizer throughout the year. After all, we want them to look their best when it’s their time to shine again next Christmas!

I have grown potted Bunya, Hoop and Coastal Cypress pines as Christmas trees over the years and have found Bunyas the easiest to maintain in a pot. However, I have spoken to many people who swear by Hoop and Coastal Cypress pines as their Christmas tree of choice. Why not find your perfect native tree this festive season? You’ll get great enjoyment and satisfaction from showcasing one of our local beauties, and you will also be creating a more biodiverse, wildlife-friendly garden. It’s a win-win!

Sarah Lawson