Pinnate Queensland Firewheel Plant Care

Alloxylon pinnatum (Maiden & Betche) P.H.Weston & Crisp

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Alloxylon pinnatum, known as Dorrigo waratah, is a tree of the family Proteaceae found in warm-temperate rainforest of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales in eastern Australia. It has shiny green leaves that are either pinnate (lobed) and up to 30 cm (12 in) long, or lanceolate (spear-shaped) and up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Plant Pinnate Queensland Firewheel in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel (Alloxylon pinnatum) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Alloxylon genus. Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is native to warm-temperate rainforest of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales in eastern Australia. Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is also known as Queensland Firewheel.

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel displays a tall tree, upright growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Pinnate Queensland Firewheel produces showy red or orange flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Water a young or newly planted Pinnate Queensland Firewheel every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel Need?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel Prefer?

Alloxylon pinnatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Pinnate Queensland Firewheel prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Pinnate Queensland Firewheel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Feed Pinnate Queensland Firewheel every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Prune Pinnate Queensland Firewheel while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel in Winter?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to short-fruited tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pinnate Queensland Firewheel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pinnate Queensland Firewheel Need?

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is native to warm-temperate rainforest of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales in eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Pinnate Queensland Firewheel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Alloxylon genus — compare its care with other Alloxylon species on PlantoScan.

Alloxylon is part of the Proteaceae plant family — browse all Proteaceae genera and species.

Pinnate Queensland Firewheel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Alloxylon pinnatum (Maiden & Betche) P.H.Weston & Crisp, family Proteaceae (first published in Telopea 4: 499 (1991)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pinnate Queensland Firewheel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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