Araucaria araucana
Monkey puzzle, Chile Pine
Also known as Araucaria imbricata
- Height × spread
- 20m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Love it or hate it, the monkey puzzle tree doesn't always go well in the traditional English garden. Slow growing, it develops an erratic appearance with whorled branchlets and a curious wrinkled looking, distinctly elephantine trunk. <I>Araucaria araucana</I> must be used as a specimen. It is very handsome for the first few decades though it may become bare-trunked and gangly with age if conditions are not moist and humid enough for it.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 20m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.