NSW Christmas Bush Ceratopetalum gummiferum or NSW Christmas Bush has been part of an Australian Christmas ever since the first colony and probably before. NSW Christmas bush produce a mass of white flowers in spring followed by deep red flower bracts in early summer. Some varieties may reach 12m in sandy soil, but more compact varieties such as Alberys red will only grow to 4-5m high. The foliage is quite striking, each leave is made up of three serrated lobes which are a soft green in colour
Care Don't let the name fool you, even though it's called the NSW Christmas Bush it will still grow well in most parts of Australia, particularly VIC. Plant in full sun to part shade, prefers a moist, well draining soil rich in organic matter. A hard prune after flowering will maintain a nice compact growth habit. Feed with a slow release fertiliser for natives such as Garden Gold for Natives or Yates Acticote for Natives. The tree may drop branches from time to time, or branches can often die. In this case prune the branch off hard at the base and it will regrow.
Uses We think it makes a wonderful potted Christmas tree, why not try one this year? After Christmas it can be taken outside to be given a light prune and feed. It will remain an attractive potted specimen for the rest of the year with its lovely foliage. Ceratopetalum will also make a great addition to a native or mixed garden.
Look out for
*Albery's Red - Small White Flowers followed by bright red Calyx's height to 5 metres.
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