A spreading WA mallee shrub bearing large bright yellow flowers and distinctive bell-shaped gum nuts. A hardy, showy small feature for dry, sandy gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Bell-fruited Mallee
Eucalyptus preissiana is a shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 3 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Bell-fruited Mallee
Bell-fruited Mallee suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and arid and semi-arid 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 tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Bell-fruited Mallee does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Bell-fruited Mallee 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 Bell-fruited Mallee after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Bell-fruited Mallee in the garden
Bell-fruited Mallee 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 Bell-fruited Mallee with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Bell-fruited Mallee
Plant Sale lists Bell-fruited Mallee 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.