This shrub to small tree has a greyish upright trunk with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has dark green toothed elliptical leaves and the small pink cup-shaped flowers appear in a large cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Pullea stutzeri is naturally found in Australia from the Atherton tablelands in northern Queensland and extending to the Pacific islands.

It prefers and organic rich soil with reliable moisture and grows in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender but salt spray tolerant.

The Hard Alder is grown for its bushy habit and flowers. It is planted in small gardens or parks along borders for screening and can be trained to form a small shade tree. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. The shrub may also be trimmed to form an informal hedge. ID 3142

Pullea (POO-lee-ah) stutzeri (STUTZ-er-eye)

Cunoniaceae(kew-NON-ee-AY-see-ee)