A handsome upright tree with deeply furrowed near-black ironbark and blue-grey foliage, carrying pink to red winter flowers rich in nectar. Tough, drought-hardy and excellent for birds.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 18 m H × 10 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Red Ironbark
Botanically, Eucalyptus sideroxylon 'Rosea' is a moderate-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It reaches around 18 m tall and 10 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Pink, red and cream green flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Red Ironbark
Red Ironbark suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate, subtropical 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.
Soil & planting
Red Ironbark does best in clay, loamy and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red Ironbark 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 Red Ironbark after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Red Ironbark in the garden
Red Ironbark earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Red Ironbark with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate 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 Red Ironbark
Plant Sale lists Red Ironbark as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Red Ironbark seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.