Scarlet Kurrajong Plant Care

Scarlet Kurrajong (Brachychiton garrawayae) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Brachychiton genus. Scarlet Kurrajong is also known as Mountain Kurrajong.

Scarlet Kurrajong displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Scarlet Kurrajong produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scarlet Kurrajong 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.

Scarlet Kurrajong thrives in full sun.

Brachychiton garrawayae tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Scarlet Kurrajong prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Kurrajong to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scarlet Kurrajong 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.

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

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scarlet Kurrajong 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.

Scarlet Kurrajong can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.

Prune Scarlet Kurrajong 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.

Scarlet Kurrajong 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.

Scarlet Kurrajong can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kurrajong plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Scarlet Kurrajong 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.

Scarlet Kurrajong grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Kurrajong as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.