{"product_id":"queensland-bottle-tree","title":"Queensland Bottle Tree","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Queensland Bottle Tree \u003cstrong\u003e(\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrachychiton rupestris)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is one of Australia's most distinctive native trees, instantly recognisable by its swollen, bottle-shaped trunk that stores water to help it survive long dry spells. Native to the semi-arid woodlands of central Queensland, this slow-growing, long-lived tree can reach 10–20 metres in height, with mature specimens developing dramatically bulging trunks that can measure several metres around. Its bark is pale grey and smooth to slightly wrinkled, while the deciduous, glossy green leaves give way to small cream-yellow bell-shaped flowers in late spring to summer. Hardy, drought-tolerant and strikingly sculptural, the bottle tree is prized as a feature specimen in gardens, parks and streetscapes across Australia, and remains a beloved emblem of the Queensland outback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePosition: Full sun for best growth and trunk form; tolerates part shade when young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSoil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including poor, rocky or sandy conditions; will not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soil without good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWatering: Drought tolerant once established. Water regularly for the first 1–2 years to develop a strong root system, then reduce frequency — overwatering can cause trunk rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eClimate: Suited to subtropical, tropical and semi-arid climates; hardy to light frost once established, though young trees are frost-sensitive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSpacing: Allow 4–6 metres from structures and other trees to accommodate the mature trunk width and canopy spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePlanting depth: Plant at the same soil level as the container, taking care not to bury the trunk base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFertilising: Minimal feeding required; a light application of native slow-release fertiliser in spring supports young trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGrowth rate: Slow-growing, so choose the final position carefully — the bottle tree is not well suited to relocation once established.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Diamond Valley Garden","offers":[{"title":"100 L","offer_id":46501571625156,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 L","offer_id":46501625135300,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/5997\/7156\/files\/Kangaroo_Paw-4.png?v=1786254293","url":"https:\/\/www.diamondvalleygarden.com.au\/products\/queensland-bottle-tree","provider":"Diamond Valley Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}