Eucalyptus macrocarpa

Eucalyptus macrocarpa stands out for the size and appearance of its inflorescences, undoubtedly the most spectacular among the eucalyptus of Australia. This beautiful graceful bush offers very large, radiant red flowers in the form of a pompon, reaching 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter, beautifully contrasting with the silvery grey foliage. The foliage, the flowers and the fruits, in the form of a spherical capsule, are interesting for floral compositions. Sensitive to frost, it will need a suitable location. After flowering it tolerates pruning well, and its good regeneration capabilities allow the renewal of old branches and growth in multiple trunks. This eucalyptus adapts well to small gardens, in a dry atmosphere, in any well-drained soil, and in full sun.

Eucalyptus macrocarpa is a species endemic to the west of Australia, from Coorow in the north, east and southeast of Perth to about Kulin. It is found in regions of sandy heathland. Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, it is named Mottlecah, a common Aboriginal name used in Australia, or West Rose in reference to the plants that grow in Western Australia and its superb flowers, as showy as a rose. The large fruits of this eucalyptus are the origin of the species name: macrocarpa, which comes from the Greek "makros" for large and "karpos" meaning "fruit". This Slow-growing eucalyptus forms a beautiful branching bush, of medium size, reaching 2 to 3 metres (6 feet 7 inches to 9 feet 10 inches) high and growing a little wider. Its frame is made up of several stems starting from the soil. Each branch carries heart-shaped, ovate leaves 9 to 12 cm (3.5 to 4.7 in) long by 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 in) wide, they are silvery grey to almost white and give off a menthol fragrance when crushed. The leaves are sessile (without petiole) with bases encircling the stem, gathered in pairs, arranged in alternate rows at 90-degree (194 °F) angles. They seem to radiate, completely encompassing the stem. The flowering occurs mainly in the spring and early summer, but occasionally at other times. The pale grey flower buds, tight against the stem, raise their "caps" above capsules that can reach 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter, topped with large bright red stamens with yellow anthers. The delicately scented flowers are very attractive to insects. After flowering, the fruits, called "gumnuts", appear in the form of a spherical capsule ending in the centre with a point, a beautiful whitish-grey colour and remaining attached to the stem for a long time.

This eucalyptus has a lignotuber, made up of a starch-rich swelling that forms on the roots just below the soil surface. This organ allows it to regrow from the stump in the event of severe frost, fire or severe pruning. The plant also produces many shoots from dormant buds located under its bark, allowing it to respond perfectly well to coppicing, topping or more severe pruning operations. During the flowering period, when the stems, loaded with buds and flowers, become too heavy, pruning may be necessary to prevent the branches from breaking.

The Mottlecah or West Rose finds a place in a dry garden, in the sun, with very little water, in association with other Australian plants such as the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos), Grevillea, Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Westringia fruticosa (Australian Rosemary), Leptsospermum, Restio tetraphyllus, Cordylines, Banksia serrata, Protea. To highlight its form, it is usually grown in multiple trunks to give volume to the vegetation and amplify the flowering. Resistant to summer drought, with little or no irrigation, in well-drained soil, even limestone, this eucalyptus copes well with hot and dry summers, wind and sea spray.