Jingymia Mallee

Jingymia Mallee (Eucalyptus rosacea) is a rare Western Australian mallee gum that usually reaches 3 to 4m high and 3 to 4m wide. It is petite enough for a back yard and earns its place with grey bark that sheds to pink-cream, clusters of deep pink buds, and fluffy pink-cream-white flowers in spring and summer. Final size varies with conditions and water availability.

Why you'll love it

• Bark that changes. Grey bark sheds to reveal pink-cream, which brings colour to the garden through winter.
• Deep pink buds. Clusters of deep pink buds open into pink, cream and white flowers in spring and summer.
• Full of nectar. The flowers are rich in nectar for birds, so it earns a place in a wildlife garden.
• Drought tolerant. It comes from the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia, which suggests real drought tolerance, and it grows in sandy or clay soils.
• A rare native. It is an uncommon mallee that deserves to be better known, and it stays small enough for a back yard.

Where it works best

A back-yard feature tree. At 3 to 4m it fits where a full-sized gum would not. Allow about 3m between plants and keep it clear of buildings.

A coppiced shrub. Cut hard back, it becomes a feature shrub rather than a small tree, which suits a smaller bed.

Wildlife gardens. The nectar-rich flowers draw birds. Plant it with other drought tolerant natives for a habitat-style bed.

Winter bark colour. Place it where you will see the shedding pink-cream bark in winter, near a path, a window or a seat.

Growing Jingymia Mallee in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. As a Western Australian species it prefers the mild Mediterranean-type climate of the south, with abundant sunshine, lower humidity and drier summers. Protect it from strong wind and frost.

Soil. It grows in most free-draining soils, including clay, and is equally happy in sand.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, and during extended dry periods. After that it manages on little.

Pruning. No routine pruning is needed. To keep it as a shrub, cut it hard back (coppice) once established. Size varies with water availability, so a well-watered plant grows taller.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Jingymia Mallee as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It is small on arrival, a young mallee that needs a season or two to show its bark and buds. Plant it out promptly and water it in well.

The Jingymia Mallee tube is grown for us by our grower, and availability comes and goes. If it shows as sold out, press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is available again. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Gum trees and eucalypts
• Plants that attract birds
• More Australian native trees
• Top bird-attracting native plants

Common questions

How tall will it grow?

Usually 3 to 4m high and wide, but it varies with conditions and water. In a dry spot it stays smaller and shrubbier, and with plenty of water it can grow taller.

Does it suit heavy clay?

It grows in sandy or clay soils provided drainage is reasonable. In wet clay, plant on a mound so water runs away from the roots.

When does it flower?

In spring and summer, when the deep pink buds open to pink, cream and white flowers. The buds are decorative before they open.