Allocasuarina monilifera 'Red Fox'

Common name:
Red Fox Sheoak

Description:
Allocasuarina monilifera 'Red Fox' is a refined Australian native shrub selected for its striking fine-textured, needle-like foliage and warm coppery-red new growth that gives the plant its distinctive name. This compact form of the native Allocasuarina monilifera is ideal for low hedging, screening, or as a structural feature in native and modern garden designs. Adapted to Melbourne’s conditions, 'Red Fox' thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, including sandy and poorer types, provided drainage is good. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, frost-hardy, and requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional pruning to shape or encourage denser growth. Its evergreen, feathery foliage provides year-round softness and movement, and while inconspicuous, it may produce small, reddish-brown flowers that can be pollinated by wind. A hardy, low-care option for wildlife-friendly or coastal gardens.

Form:
Shrub - Medium
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature size:
Height: 1.5 – 2.5m
Width: 1.5 – 2m

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Winter
Flowers in Spring
(Inconspicuous and wind-pollinated)

Flower colour:
Reddish-Brown (not showy)

Key attributes:
Australian Native
Drought Tolerant
Frost Tolerant
Low Maintenance
Evergreen
Suitable for Hedging
Suitable for Coastal Gardens
Wind Tolerant
Bird Habitat Plant
Fine Foliage with Year-Round Interest
Non-invasive Root System

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion plants:
Westringia fruticosa
Grevillea ‘Scarlet Sprite’
Lomandra longifolia
Leptospermum scoparium
Eremophila nivea

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public here