Elaeocarpus ‘Prima Donna’ (Blueberry Ash)
Elaeocarpus ‘Prima Donna’ is a refined evergreen tree known for its glossy foliage, elegant form, and vibrant flushes of coloured new growth. A cultivated selection of Blueberry Ash, it is widely used in hedging, screening, and feature planting where a structured, lush appearance with seasonal colour is desired.
Its combination of upright growth and changing foliage tones makes it a standout choice for modern landscapes.
Key Specifications
Botanical name: Elaeocarpus reticulatus ‘Prima Donna’
Common name: Prima Donna Blueberry Ash
Plant type: Evergreen tree
Mature height: 6 to 10 metres
Mature width: 3 to 5 metres
Typical hedge height: 3 to 6 metres
Typical hedge width: 2 to 3 metres
Growth rate: Moderate
Time to maturity: Approximately 4 to 6 years
Growth Habit and Structure
Elaeocarpus ‘Prima Donna’ forms an upright tree with a dense, layered canopy.
Vertical to slightly spreading growth habit
Develops a strong central structure
Can be maintained as a hedge or allowed to form a feature tree
Its structured growth makes it ideal for screening and formal planting.
Foliage and Appearance
The foliage is a key feature, offering both colour and texture.
Leaves are:
Oval-shaped with slightly wavy edges
Glossy deep green
Densely arranged along branches
New growth emerges in shades of bronze, red, or pink, creating seasonal contrast against the mature green foliage.
Growth and Establishment
Elaeocarpus ‘Prima Donna’ establishes steadily and develops into a substantial tree.
Early stage:
Focuses on root development and upright growth
2–3 years:
Noticeable increase in height and branching
4–6 years:
Reaches mature size with a dense canopy
Its moderate growth allows for controlled shaping and long-term structure.
Light Requirements
Performs best in full sun to partial shade.
Full sun:
Enhances foliage colour and encourages dense growth
Partial shade:
Maintains healthy foliage with slightly softer colour tones
Suitable for a range of garden positions.
Watering Requirements
Responds well to consistent watering during establishment.
During establishment:
Water regularly to support root development
Once established:
Water weekly or as needed depending on conditions
In warmer periods:
Additional watering supports healthy growth
Consistent moisture promotes a lush, full canopy.
Soil Preferences
Performs best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Suitable for:
Loam soils
Sandy soils
Improved clay soils
Adapts well to a variety of soil types when properly prepared.
Pruning and Maintenance
Easy to manage and responsive to pruning.
Can be shaped into hedges or screens
Light pruning maintains structure and density
Prune to encourage fresh growth and colour
Maintains a neat appearance with regular care.
Fertilising
Benefits from regular feeding.
Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season
Organic mulch improves soil condition
Feeding supports healthy foliage and strong growth.
Flowering Features
Produces small, delicate flowers followed by ornamental fruit.
Flowers are:
Bell-shaped with fringed edges
White to pale cream in colour
Appear in clusters
The flowers are followed by small blue fruit, adding additional seasonal interest.
Spacing Guide
For hedging or screening:
Plant 1.5 to 2.5 metres apart
Closer spacing creates a denser screen
Wider spacing allows individual tree form
Landscaping Uses
Elaeocarpus ‘Prima Donna’ is ideal for:
Screening and privacy hedging
Feature trees
Avenue planting
Modern and formal landscapes
Large garden spaces
Its height and colour variation make it highly versatile.
Longevity and Performance
A long-lasting tree that maintains structure and colour over time.
Provides year-round greenery with seasonal colour changes
Suitable for long-term landscape use
Maintains a dense, uniform canopy
Summary
Elaeocarpus ‘Prima Donna’ is an evergreen tree growing to approximately 6–10 metres tall and 3–5 metres wide. It establishes over 4–6 years, forming a dense, upright plant with glossy green foliage and colourful new growth.
Its elegant form, seasonal colour, and versatility make it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, and feature planting in a wide range of landscapes.
