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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Mottlecah is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Mottlecah with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.