Moon Lagoon Narrow Leaf Red Mallee

Moon Lagoon Narrow Leaf Red Mallee (Eucalyptus latens 'Moon Lagoon') is a petite West Australian mallee, a gum that grows as a multi-stemmed tree-shrub 2m to 3m tall and 3m to 4m wide. Its broad, rounded crown looks like a head of broccoli, and the new leaves are silver-grey, rounded like a miniature Baby Blue, maturing to blue-green with pink-lilac tips. It suits small spaces, cottage borders and big pots.

Why you'll love it

• Silver foliage with a twist. New leaves are silver-grey, and mature leaves turn blue-green tipped with pink-lilac.
• Stays small for a gum. It does not grow beyond about 3m to 4m across, so it fits where a full-sized eucalypt would not.
• A plant few people have. Its parent species was only described for science in the late 1990s, so this is something your neighbours will not have.
• Drought and frost tolerant. The species copes with both dry spells and frost, and it grows in most free-draining soils.
• Happy to be pruned. It takes clipping well, whether you want a neater silhouette, brighter leaf colour, or a manageable container plant.

Where it works best

Small gardens and cottage borders. Plant 3m apart as a specimen. The compact, rounded crown sits comfortably among softer plants without overwhelming them, and it suits a wildlife garden.

Large containers. Its tolerance of pruning makes it a good candidate for big pots, where regular clipping holds the size and keeps the silver juvenile foliage coming.

Windbreak planting. Planted in a row, 3m apart, the multi-stemmed crowns merge into a useful low windbreak.

Growing Moon Lagoon Narrow Leaf Red Mallee in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. As a West Australian species it prefers mild, Mediterranean-climate areas with abundant sunshine, lower humidity and drier summers, and it is drought and frost tolerant. In humid eastern gardens, choose an open, sunny position with excellent drainage. Orange buds open to spring flowers, followed by small rounded rust-brown pods.

Soil. Most free-draining soil types suit it. Sand, loam and light clay are all fine provided water does not stand around the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch around the plant and water regularly while it establishes, which takes around 12 weeks, then again in long dry spells.

Pruning. Leave it natural, or clip regularly for a neater shape and brighter leaf colour. You can also cut it hard to encourage a flush of young leaves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Moon Lagoon Narrow Leaf Red Mallee as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 300mm pots, sold singly. Tubes are the economical way to plant a few mallees. The 300mm plant arrives with a stronger framework and gives you a head start on shape.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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 for small gardens
• Plants for pots and containers
• Best small trees for small backyards

Common questions

How big does it get?

Between 2m and 3m tall and 3m to 4m wide, with several stems and a broad, rounded crown. It will not get much bigger than that.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It is happy to be pruned, which makes it a good candidate for a big container. Use a free-draining mix and a sunny spot, and clip regularly to hold the size.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Eucalyptus leaves contain oils that can upset dogs and cats if chewed, so it is not a pet friendly choice where animals nibble foliage.