Eucalyptus rhodantha – the rose mallee

Our plant of the month for April is the stunning Eucalyptus rhondantha or rose mallee. Like all eucalyptus the sepals and petals of the flowers fuse to form the cap (or operculum) and it is the delicate clusters of stamens that draw the eye. In the rose mallee the stamens can be either red, cream or shades of pink and are a delight for photographers. The name rhodantha means ‘pink flowers’. The flowers can be up to 7.5cms across.

The rose mallee is a small tree with round silvery leaves which provide a contrast with the stamens. It typically grows between 2.5 and 4m tall. The flowering season is autumn and winter, though it tends to spot flower for most of the year.  The tree was first discovered in the northern wheatbelt and is native to Western Australia.

The rose mallee is drought resistant once established and likes dry, well-drained soil.  It also tolerates a light frost.  It makes a beautiful feature tree for your garden and the birds and insects, especially bees, love it.  

In Kings Park you can find a cream-flowering specimen at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens, and there are other coloured flowers on specimens in the Roe Gardens, the beds in front of the Botanical Cafe and a few other locations.

If you would like to find the rose mallee in Kings Park, check with the Guides in the Visitor Information Centre or join a free daily guided walk.