Oyster Bay Pine Plant Care
Callitris rhomboidea Rich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Callitris rhomboidea, commonly known as the Oyster Bay pine, Tasmanian cypress pine, Port Jackson pine, Illawarra mountain pine, or dune cypress pine, is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae. It is native to Australia, occurring in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Oyster Bay Pine?
Plant Oyster Bay Pine in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C).
Where Is the Oyster Bay Pine Native To?
What Is the Oyster Bay Pine?
Oyster Bay Pine (Callitris rhomboidea) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Callitris genus. Oyster Bay Pine is native to Australia, occurring in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Oyster Bay Pine is also known as Cypress Pine, Pine.
Oyster Bay Pine displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Oyster Bay Pine produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Oyster Bay Pine?
Water a young or newly planted Oyster Bay Pine every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Oyster Bay Pine Need?
Oyster Bay Pine thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oyster Bay Pine Prefer?
Callitris rhomboidea tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Oyster Bay Pine prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oyster Bay Pine?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Oyster Bay Pine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Oyster Bay Pine?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Oyster Bay Pine 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 Oyster Bay Pine?
Oyster Bay Pine can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Oyster Bay Pine?
Prune Oyster Bay Pine 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 Oyster Bay Pine in Winter?
Oyster Bay Pine 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 Oyster Bay Pine?
Oyster Bay Pine can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pancheri's cypress plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Oyster Bay Pine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Oyster Bay Pine, 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 Oyster Bay Pine?
Oyster Bay Pine is susceptible to spider mites, 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 Oyster Bay Pine Need?
Oyster Bay Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Oyster Bay Pine is native to Australia, occurring in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. In cooler regions, grow Oyster Bay Pine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Oyster Bay Pine 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 Callitris genus — compare its care with other Callitris species on PlantoScan.
Callitris is part of the Cupressaceae plant family — browse all Cupressaceae genera and species.
Oyster Bay Pine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Callitris Species
Other Callitris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Callitris rhomboidea Rich., family Cupressaceae (first published in Comm. Bot. Conif. Cycad. : 47 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Oyster Bay Pine, 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.
