Tallerack

Tallerack (Eucalyptus pleurocarpa) is a Western Australian gum that grows as a broad, rangy shrub or small tree, 2 to 5m high and 3 to 6m wide. Its stiff, waxy, green-white leaves set it apart from the usual green gums, and fluffy white flowers are followed by angular white-grey seed pods that florists prize. It is a feature plant for dry, sunny gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage with presence. Stiff, waxy oval leaves in a pale green-grey tone make a cool contrast with ordinary green gums.
• Seed pods florists want. The geometric white-grey pods are much prized for floristry and floral art.
• Fluffy white flowers. They open in autumn or spring and suit a wildlife garden.
• Drought tolerant. It comes from the Goldfields and Wheatbelt of Western Australia, where it grows in gravelly, sandy soil, so dry ground and strong sun suit it.
• Fast growing and easy to shape. Left alone it is wayward, with thin stems and a wide outline. A little pruning tidies it, and cutting it hard back keeps it a compact feature shrub.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it room to spread. Allow 3 to 4m between plants, or keep a single plant at least 3m clear of fences and paths so the wide outline can develop.

A compact shrub by coppicing. Cut hard back (coppiced), it behaves as a feature shrub rather than a tree, a size that suits a smaller bed.

Cut foliage and floristry. Prune for cut stems and let a few pods mature on the plant. Foliage and pods are both used in flower arranging.

Growing Tallerack in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and a spot sheltered from strong wind. As a Western Australian species it prefers the mild Mediterranean-type climate of the south, with abundant sunshine, lower humidity and drier summers. Protect young plants from frost. In humid, summer-rainfall gardens it is harder to keep happy.

Soil. Most free-draining soils suit it, and it prefers light, sandy or gravelly ground like its home country. Avoid heavy, wet clay.

Water and feed. Mulch after planting and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that, water during extended dry periods only.

Pruning. Prune to shape the plant and for cut foliage. To keep it as a compact shrub, cut it back hard (coppice) once it is established. Left unpruned it grows wide and somewhat wayward.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tallerack as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It also comes in 300mm pots, sold singly. Tube plants are small on arrival, so plant them out soon after they arrive and water them in well. The 300mm pot gives a more developed plant to place as a feature straight away.

Our Tallerack 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

• Browse gum trees and eucalypts
• More drought tolerant plants
• More Australian native plants
• Designing a native garden to attract wildlife

Common questions

How big does Tallerack get?

Expect 2 to 5m high and 3 to 6m wide, depending on conditions and pruning. It is broad rather than tall, so allow plenty of width, or cut it hard back to keep it smaller.

Can I use the seed pods and foliage for arranging?

Yes. The foliage and the geometric white-grey pods are both used in flower arranging and floristry, and pruning for cut stems also helps keep the plant in shape.

Will it grow in a humid, wet-summer garden?

It is happiest with dry summers and free-draining soil. In a humid climate, plant it on a mound in the sandiest part of the garden, and expect less vigour than in a drier region.