Eucalyptus curtisii

Eucalyptus curtisii, also known as the Plunkett Mallee, is a species naturally restricted to a small area about 60 km south of Brisbane, near Plunkett (who knew? 🙂 ). In the wild, it forms a mallee-like shrub or small tree characterised by a swollen woody base at ground level that produces multiple stems. Flowering is a highlight, with the species regarded as one of the most attractive cream-flowering eucalypts, producing showy clusters of blossoms up to 2 cm across. The blossoms are followed by bell-shaped fruits approximately 78 mm in diameter, presented in large clusters. The smooth silvery-grey bark peels away in long ribbons, providing year-round interest. Compact in size and responsive to pruning, it suits even the smallest gardens, where heavy pruning will enhance the mallee form.

Soil: Sandy soils with impeded drainage, shallow stony soils, clay loams, and stony clays with a surface layer of loose stones.
Conditions: Highly adaptable, it tolerates Canberra frosts yet thrives equally well in north Queensland.
Size: Height 2-7m x width 2-5m