New Zealand Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum)
$74.95
200mm stock ships nationally. WA, NT, and TAS orders strictly processed via the Plant Concierge.
- Australia's Pre-Eminent Experts
- Authentic South Island Provenance
- Stunning Pendulous Foliage
- Highly Prized for Bonsai
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Master-Propagated from the South Island Forests
The Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), also known as the New Zealand Red Pine, is a crown jewel of Antarctic flora. It is famous for its incredibly elegant, pendulous (weeping) foliage and its deeply significant Gondwanan heritage. Finding true Rimu in Australia is exceptionally rare because the trees only produce viable seed during unpredictable “masting” events that occur every few years. At Sequoia Valley Farms, this species is a personal passion. Following a rare mast event in the South Island in 2020, we secured authentic seed and spent years cracking the complex dormancy code to propagate these wonders locally. We are Australia’s pre-eminent growers of the Rimu. We currently offer highly sought-after 200mm specimens (50–65cm). Whether you are an NZ expat seeking a piece of home, a dedicated bonsai artist, or a serious Gondwana collector, SVF is your definitive source.
At a Glance
Pot Size: 200mm (Strictly Limited Supply)
Est. Height: 50–65cm (Measured from the base of the pot)
Mature Size: 20–35m tall in its native habitat (slower/smaller in cultivation)
Growth Habit: Pyramidal when young, with highly distinct, cascading/weeping branchlets
Style: Gondwana & Antarctic Flora Collection / NZ Heritage / Premium Native Bonsai
A NOTE ON SCARCITY & SEED MASTING*
*Rimu trees do not seed reliably every year. They rely on climatic triggers to produce a “mast” (a mass seeding event). Because we propagate our core stock from these rare events, our supply is strictly limited to what we can germinate and carefully strike from cuttings.
The Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) is one of the most visually spectacular conifers in the world. As a juvenile, it is instantly recognisable by its pale green, thread-like, weeping foliage that cascades beautifully from upright branches. As it matures into an ancient forest giant, it develops a massive trunk with flaky, dark-brown bark and has historically produced some of New Zealand’s most highly prized native timber.
Because of its fine, scale-like leaves and elegant weeping habit, the Rimu is highly coveted by the bonsai community, where it can be trained into breathtaking, ancient-looking forms. It is equally treasured by New Zealand expats and collectors of rare Antarctic flora. If you want to buy a Rimu tree in Australia, you are not just buying a plant—you are investing in years of specialist horticultural dedication. Our acclimatised 200mm stock is ready for your garden or bonsai pot today.
- Elegant Weeping Foliage: Famous for its striking, pendulous branchlets that look like cascading green waterfalls, providing incredible architectural texture.
- A Bonsai Masterpiece: The fine, scale-like foliage and responsive branching make this one of the most highly sought-after exotic conifers for premium bonsai.
- Deep Gondwanan Roots: A true relic of the ancient supercontinent, closely related to the Huon Pine, making it essential for Antarctic flora collectors.
- Australian Exclusivity: Due to the difficulty in sourcing mast seed and breaking dormancy, we are one of the only active growers of this species on the mainland.
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Why is the Rimu so hard to find in Australia?
Does it make a good bonsai?
Will it survive Australian heat?
Question: Can you ship this to Tasmania, WA, or NT?
Detailed Description and Specs
The Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), or New Zealand Red Pine, is a large, slow-growing evergreen coniferous tree endemic to the forests of New Zealand. It is a prominent member of the ancient Podocarpaceae family.
During its extended juvenile phase, the tree has a highly distinctive, graceful appearance, characterised by pale green, scale-like leaves that tightly overlap on long, pendulous (weeping) branchlets. As the tree matures over centuries, it sheds its lower branches and develops a massive, straight trunk covered in flaky, dark brownish-grey bark. It is a dioecious species (having separate male and female plants), with female trees producing small seeds perched on fleshy, red receptacles that are highly attractive to native birds.
- Species: Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu / NZ Red Pine)
- Foliage: Tiny, scale-like, overlapping pale green leaves on weeping branchlets.
- Bark: Dark brownish-grey, scaling in thick flakes.
- Growth Rate: Slow, long-lived forest giant.
- Best For: Premium native bonsai, Gondwana collections, and cool-climate feature trees.
Care and Planting Guide
Replicating the cool, moist conditions of a New Zealand forest is key to successfully growing Rimu in Australia.
- Sunlight & Location: Juvenile plants thrive in dappled light or morning sun. Protect them from harsh, direct afternoon heat, which can scorch the delicate weeping foliage. As they mature, they can handle fuller canopy sun.
- Soil & Drainage: Prefers deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soils rich in organic matter. Excellent drainage is required; do not plant in boggy or waterlogged clay.
- Watering: The Rimu is not drought-tolerant. The root system must be kept consistently cool and moist, especially during the Australian summer. Apply a thick layer of high-quality compost or leaf mulch.
- Bonsai Culture: If keeping in a container, use a premium, free-draining mix and ensure the pot is shaded during heatwaves to prevent the roots from baking.
Shipping and Delivery
Standard 200mm Stock – Eastern States
Our exceptionally rare, acclimatised 200mm Dacrydium cupressinum stock is eligible for standard shipping via our secure plant freight network across NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, and SA.
Western Australia, Northern Territory & Tasmania
Because of our exclusive supply and specialised propagation, orders to strict quarantine states must pass through our Plant Concierge for mandatory biosecurity treatments. Our 200mm sizes safely clear the 105cm length limit imposed by Australia Post Express.
