A sprawling silver-leaved mallee famous for the largest flowers of any eucalypt - huge red-pink blooms followed by giant gum nuts. A striking arid-zone collector's feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Mottlecah
Botanically, Eucalyptus macrocarpa is a shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 3 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Red and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Mottlecah
Mottlecah suits Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Mottlecah does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Mottlecah handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Mottlecah after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Mottlecah in the garden
Mottlecah earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
Combine Mottlecah with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Mottlecah
Plant Sale lists Mottlecah as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
