Moort

Moort (Eucalyptus platypus) is a West Australian gum that grows wide and branched low down, usually 5m to 8m tall and as wide, with slightly twisted branches and grey bark that peels in little strips to tan-brown beneath. Large fluffy cream-yellow blossoms open in spring or, more usually, late summer. It is frost hardy, drought tolerant and has proved very adaptable in gardens across Australia.

Why you'll love it

• Adaptable. It grows in clay, sand, rocky ground and occasionally soggy soils, and puts up with urban pollution.
• Frost hardy and drought tolerant. A hardy gum that copes with cold winters and dry spells once established.
• Nectar-rich flowers. The fluffy cream-yellow blossoms are loved by wildlife and prized by beekeepers for honey.
• A useful windbreak. Its wide, low-branched habit makes a dense barrier against wind.
• Flexible in shape. It coppices well, so it can be cut hard back and kept as a low tree, a feature shrub or even a hedge.

Where it works best

Windbreaks. Plant 4m apart in a row to build a dense, wide barrier. Moort's low branching fills the gaps at ground level that many gums leave open.

Ornamental garden tree. Give a single tree about 6m of space to spread. The peeling bark and twisted branches look good in winter, too.

Coppiced feature shrub. Cut it hard back on a cycle and it makes a bushy, low feature plant instead of a tall tree.

Growing Moort in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. Though it comes from the south west corner of Western Australia, it is frost hardy, drought tolerant and has proved very adaptable across Australia. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate, cool temperate and arid or semi-arid gardens. Note that moort is proving to have weed potential on the Eyre Peninsula, so if you live there please check with your local council before planting.

Soil. Most free-draining soil types suit it, including clay, sand and rocky ground. It also copes with the occasional soggy patch.

Water and feed. Mulch around the plant and water regularly while it establishes, which takes around 12 weeks, and again through extended dry periods.

Pruning. If you prefer a single trunk to a branched one, shape it carefully while young. To keep it low, coppice it by cutting hard back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Moort as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to plant a windbreak, since a row needs many plants. The 200mm pots give you a taller start for a feature tree.

The tubes come from our grower, who does not always have them. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails 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 for windbreaks
• Plants for windy conditions and how to build a windbreak
• Plants that attract birds

Common questions

How big does moort grow?

Usually 5m to 8m tall and wide, varying with location. It is a big spreading plant, so give it room or coppice it to keep it smaller.

Can I keep it small?

Yes. Moort coppices well, so you can cut it hard back to hold it as a low tree or even a hedge. Plan the cutting cycle from the start.

Is it safe around pets?

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