This ornamental small tree is little-known in cultivation but is suitable for tropical, subtropical or coastal regions and is drought resistant. It can be very slow growing in southern areas, but starts flowering when it is very small.
Most forms of Brachychtion bidwillii drop their leaves before flowering. As the plants age, flower production increases, and after 8 years or so they may produce bunches of up to 50 flowers coming directly from the trunk, as well as the usual flowers on twigs and branches
Some of the plants in our Arboretum have been grafted onto Brachychiton acerifolius, the Illawarra flame tree, to provide greater vigour.