A striking, architectural evergreen with spiky, sculptural foliage that looks like it wandered in from another era
FEATURES:
- Bold, geometric evergreen foliage with sharp, spiny leaf tips for an unmistakable silhouette
- Statement, “skyline” specimen that becomes a focal point from the first glance
- Slow-growing and long-lived, building character and structure year after year
- Best performance in well-drained soils (it dislikes soggy conditions)
- Moderate drought tolerance once established with consistent watering during establishment
- Tough enough for maritime exposure and salt-laden winds in suitable climates
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Let this one be the sculpture. Keep the supporting cast quiet: one consistent groundcover, a clean mulch or gravel ring, and a darker evergreen backdrop if you want the silhouette to pop. The more restrained the surrounding planting, the more intentional and dramatic this tree looks.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 7-10
- Mature Height: 30-45' tall
- Mature Width: 15-25' apart
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 15-25' apart
Monkey Puzzle
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Araucaria araucana
Regular priceSave 25% on All Tree Collections with code: SPRINGBEST25 at checkout.
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A striking, architectural evergreen with spiky, sculptural foliage that looks like it wandered in from another era
FEATURES:
- Bold, geometric evergreen foliage with sharp, spiny leaf tips for an unmistakable silhouette
- Statement, “skyline” specimen that becomes a focal point from the first glance
- Slow-growing and long-lived, building character and structure year after year
- Best performance in well-drained soils (it dislikes soggy conditions)
- Moderate drought tolerance once established with consistent watering during establishment
- Tough enough for maritime exposure and salt-laden winds in suitable climates
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Let this one be the sculpture. Keep the supporting cast quiet: one consistent groundcover, a clean mulch or gravel ring, and a darker evergreen backdrop if you want the silhouette to pop. The more restrained the surrounding planting, the more intentional and dramatic this tree looks.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 7-10
- Mature Height: 30-45' tall
- Mature Width: 15-25' apart
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 15-25' apart
Why plant Monkey Puzzle?
This is the tree you plant when you want the landscape to have a point of view. Its foliage forms tight, dramatic scales along the branches, creating a bold texture that reads sculptural in every season. It’s evergreen, structural, and unforgettable, the kind of presence that makes a garden feel designed even in the quietest months. In the right setting, it also handles challenging conditions well, especially when the soil drains properly and the tree can settle in without wet feet.
How to use Monkey Puzzle in the landscape?
Use it as a single, high-impact specimen where its shape can be appreciated from a distance, front yard lawn panels, a prominent corner bed, or as an anchor at the end of a long view. It pairs beautifully with cleaner, simpler plant palettes: dark evergreens, low groundcovers, and stone or gravel that keeps the base neat and emphasizes its architectural form. In coastal or windy sites within its comfort zone, place it where it can stand as a “signature” tree, and give it ample space so the branches can develop naturally without crowding nearby plantings.
Frequently Asked Questions
This evergreen doesn’t produce showy blooms. It forms inconspicuous pollen structures, and mature trees may develop large, noticeable cones instead of flowers.
Prioritize drainage and consistent moisture during establishment. Plant in well-drained soil (avoid low, wet spots), water deeply on a regular schedule the first season, then taper as roots establish.
Very little. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain clearance if needed as it matures. Avoid heavy shaping so the natural architectural form stays intact.
