IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Eucalyptus trees have long been celebrated for their stunning form and admirable presence in the landscape. While many species can grow to towering heights, small eucalyptus trees that grow to 4 – 8 meters provide great opportunities for gardeners to grow a sizeable tree without overwhelming their spaces.
If you are interested in eucalyptus trees that grow less than 4 meters, please check out our article on miniature eucalyptus trees. Or, if you are interested in small corymbia species, check out dwarf flowering gums or dwarf yellow bloodwood.
Small eucalyptus trees are perfect for modern gardens, urban courtyards, and even large containers. They add texture, movement, and seasonal interest and are particularly valued for attracting wildlife, like birds and bees.
Their manageable size makes them ideal for creating feature plantings, screening, and hedging in various garden styles. This article explores 23 irresistible small eucalyptus trees and delves into their unique features.
Why choose small eucalyptus trees?
The small eucalyptus trees can thrive in low-water conditions and improve local ecosystems, making them a responsible choice for eco-friendly landscaping. Highly drought-tolerant, they are ideal for waterwise, sustainable gardening.
Compact yet impactful
Small eucalyptus trees deliver the iconic charm of eucalyptus while fitting perfectly into urban courtyards, modern gardens, or even container settings. Up to 8 meters in height, they can be stunning focal points or eye-pleasing screens without overwhelming your space.
Year-round interest
Their upright or arching branches and textured or smooth bark add depth and character to any landscape. Small eucalyptus trees display various colours from silvery blue to deep green on their foliage, providing timeless visual appeal.
Biodiversity
Small eucalyptus trees create habitats for wildlife. Their blooms attract birds, bees, and butterflies, while their foliage and bark shelter birds and beneficial insects. These trees contribute significantly to biodiversity.
Versatile application
Perfect for screening, hedging, or as standalone statement pieces, small eucalyptus trees can enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects of outdoor spaces in many different ways.
Small eucalyptus trees
1. Eucalyptus youngiana (Large-fruited Mallee)
Eucalyptus youngiana, or Large-fruited Mallee, produces massive, vibrant blooms, among the largest in the Eucalyptus family, in shades of red, pink, yellow, or cream in abundant, well-formed clusters. Following the blossom, the oversized, woody gumnuts (hence, large-fruited) continue to add to the tree’s visual appeal.
This small mallee exhibits an upright form of 3 – 8 m with a slightly irregular, open canopy. Its trunk features smooth, pale grey bark with occasional exfoliating patches, while its robust branches spread laterally in an attractive, somewhat asymmetrical way. The foliage is spear- or lance-shaped, bluish, or dark green.
Large-fruited Mallee is endemic to the Great Victoria Desert in Australia. This desert beauty thrives on sandy or rocky soils in a climate with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters with minimal rainfall.
2. Eucalyptus gillii (Curly Mallee)
Eucalyptus gillii captures immediate attention with its unique twisted form, which gives the plant its “curly” character. It is an instant conversation piece in any landscape.
Curly Mallee is endemic to Australia’s arid interior of South Australia and New South Wales, thriving in sandy, gravelly soils under extreme heat. This robust mallee grows to 3 – 7 m and exhibits an open, rounded canopy and twisted stems with smooth bark of light grey to pale brown.
Its branches are often arranged in firm opposite pairs with an overall upright habit. The foliage is attractive, light grey or blue-green, with a spear or teardrop shape, in pairs or alternately. Abundant flower clusters emerge seasonally in cream or light yellow, accentuating the otherwise strong structure.
3. Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Illyarrie)
Eucalyptus erythrocorys, or Illyarrie in Noongar, is one of the most popular small eucalyptus trees due to its refined, cascading canopy and striking floral display. This fast-growing mallee is native to the subcoastal region of Western Australia, where it flourishes in temperate and Mediterranean climates.
Reaching an approximate height of 3 – 8 m, Illyarrie develops a dense, rounded canopy with a single or multi-stemmed form. Its bark is rough and fibrous on the lower trunk, transitioning to smoother, sometimes pinkish-grey patches higher up.
Its branches extend outward in a balanced mix of upright and drooping forms, with some adopting a gentle weeping habit. The foliage is dark green, glossy, and lance- or sickle-shaped, adding a graceful charm to the tree.
4. Eucalyptus lehmannii (Bushy Yate)
Eucalyptus lehmannii, commonly known as Bushy Yate, features a round, bushy canopy and striking ornamental flowers.
Often appearing as a dense shrub, this mallee species adopts a sprawling, multi-stemmed habit, growing up to 3 – 8 m, with smooth, pale grey bark that sheds in strips. It develops deep and rich green foliage in an oval or elliptical shape. In bloom, urchin-like flower buds transform into green-yellow floral spheres, forming a spectacle en masse.
Eucalyptus lehmannii is endemic to the southern coastal and subcoastal regions of Western Australia. It adapts well to saline soils. This fast-growing eucalyptus is ideal for privacy screening or as a standalone shade tree.
5. Eucalyptus pachyphylla (Thick-leaved Mallee)
Eucalyptus pachyphylla is well known for the distinguished robust, thick foliage that lends it the name “Thick–leaved Mallee”. This mallee species also features stunning pink buds where its large creamy-yellow flowers emerge.
Thick-leaved Mallee is widespread across the northern deserts of Australia, where an arid climate dominates. It flourishes in sandy, infertile soils. Growing to about 3 – 6 m, this small tree displays a robust mallee habit with an open to semi-open canopy supported by multiple smooth stems.
The foliage is thick, leathery, blue- or grey-green, and lance- or spear-shaped. Large creamy yellow flowers emerge in profusion, often tinged with a subtle green hue. Buds turn pink before flowering. Because of its low maintenance needs and rugged elegance, Thick-leaved Mallee is highly prized in modern landscapes.
6. Eucalyptus curtisii (Plunkett Mallee)
Eucalyptus curtisii, or Plunkett Mallee, stands out for its distinctive, rugged yet elegant character and spectacular large clusters of white flowers when in bloom.
Plunkett Mallee is a small, multi-stemmed tree native to southeastern Queensland. It thrives in dry woodlands and is highly adaptable to poorly drained soils. Plunkett Mallee can quickly grow to 3 – 7 m tall and has smooth, pale grey stems, slender, arching branches, and a loose canopy.
Its narrowly lance-shaped leaves are soft blue-green with a slight sheen, providing an elegant, calming presence. In bloom, it produces abundant clusters of pale yellow to cream flowers towards the branches’ terminals.
7. Eucalyptus orbifolia (Round-leaved Mallee)
Eucalyptus orbifolia, or Round-leaved Mallee, is a mallee species full of surprises. It features uniform, round leaves in silvery or bluish-green that spark a visual interest. The stems are dressed in rough reddish-brown “mini ritchi” bark that curls and peels in strips. This plant also produces profuse clusters of creamy yellow blooms, adding seasonal charm.
Scattered in inland Western Australia and central Australia, it thrives in arid conditions such as infertile sandy or rocky soils and harsh, dry climates. It is a small mallee that reaches 3 – 7 m at maturity. It has a spreading habit and a fast-growing rate, with branches often landing on the ground.
With its ornamental appeal and manageable size, Round-leaved Mallee is highly appreciated in low-maintenance landscapes as an informal screen or specimen plant.
8. Eucalyptus forrestiana (Fuchsia Gum)
Eucalyptus forrestiana, commonly called Fuchsia Gum, is a popular ornamental tree with eye-catching attributes. The dazzling, fuchsia-like bright red flowers with yellow stamens often steal the show. This fast-growing mallet features a striking greyish trunk and dense rounded canopy, forming a delightful silhouette.
Native to the subcoastal region of southern Western Australia, it thrives in well-drained sandy soils with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Growing to 2 – 6 m, it sports a spreading canopy with glossy, dark green foliage, which contrasts well with a smooth, light grey trunk.
This plant resembles Eucalyptus dolichorhyncha, also known as ‘Fuchsia Gum’. The latter has also been widely cultivated as an ornamental.
9. Eucalyptus websteriana (Webster’s Mallee)
Eucalyptus websteriana, or Webster’s Mallee, is highly attractive due to its unique heart-shaped foliage and unusual reddish brown “mini ritchi” peeling bark. Growing to only 2 – 5 m, this mallee species is highly desirable in an ornamental garden.
Webster’s Mallee is endemic to the semi-arid region of southern Western Australia. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and adapts to long, hot, dry summers. It is often small, sprawling, multi-stemmed, and has an open, rounded canopy.
The stems feature intriguing “mini ritchi” bark that adds a strong character to the tree, and the blue-green leaves are heart-shaped, adding to the tree’s ornamental appeal. In bloom, bright, creamy yellow blossoms appear in numerous clusters, creating vibrant splashes of colour.
10. Eucalyptus erythronema (Red-flowered Mallee)
Eucalyptus erythronema is beloved for its ornamental qualities, including its large pendulous flowers and stunning smooth white stems with seasonal red bark.
Endemic to the shrubland of Western Australia, Red-flowered mallee grows to 3 – 6 m, with multiple stems and a dense, round canopy. The stems are smooth and powdery cream white, which is revealed following the shedding of equally stunning dark red bark.
The foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, green, olive-green, or blue-green. In bloom, clusters of eye-catching red, pink, or cream-white flowers emerge in profusion, creating a spectacle with intense colour and vibrancy.
11. Eucalyptus kingsmillii (Kingsmill’s Mallee)
Eucalyptus kingsmillii, or Kingsmill’s Mallee, is best known for its unique ridged red-pink flower buds, which open into fantastic cream, white, yellow, pink, or red flowers.
Native to arid desert regions of central Western Australia, this mallee thrives on gritty, sandy, and gravelly soils where water is scarce and temperatures soar during summer. It grows fast and can reach 2 – 7 m as a multi-stemmed, shrubby tree with rough, fibrous bark at its base.
Its foliage is often grey or blue-green, lance- or spear-shaped. With a dense and round canopy, Kingsmill’s Mallee is ideal as a low-growing privacy screen or a small shade tree.
12. Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’ (Dwarf Yellow Gum)
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’ offers a charming twist on the classic Yellow Gum from southeastern Australia, presenting in a compact, dwarf form. It is among the most popular small eucalyptus trees for urban gardening and street plantings.
This cultivar thrives in various climates, from semi-arid to Mediterranean, cool, warm temperate, and subtropical climates. It tolerates frost and coastal conditions well and grows in well-drained soil of various types. Reaching only about 5 – 6 m, it exhibits a neat, rounded form with a smooth, mottled trunk.
Its foliage is narrow, lance- or sickle-shaped, and grey-green or olive green, with a lush and tidy appearance. The bright pink, red, and pale cream flowers occur profusely almost year-round.
13. Eucalyptus gregsoniana (Wolgan Snow Gum)
Eucalyptus gregsoniana, or Wolgan Snow gum, is a cold-tolerant compact eucalyptus with a captivating tree form. Although it is often grown as a single-trunk ornamental, Wolgan Snow Gum is a mallee with a multi-stemmed growing habit.
Native to the southeastern region of New South Wales, Wolgan Snow Gum grows to 4 – 7 m and has smooth white to pale grey bark. Its large, heavy branches lend the tree a ghostly appeal, drawing admiration from passers-by.
Its foliage is attractive, lance- or sickle-shaped, and glossy green with a slightly bluish tint. In spring, clusters of white flowers occur along its branches, adding a seasonal interest.
14. Eucalyptus lansdowneana (Crimson Mallee)
The Crimson Mallee (Eucalyptus lansdowneana) attracts attention with its stunning crimson or purply pink blooms in late winter and spring, in beautiful contrast with its attractive weeping foliage.
Native to the grassland in South Australia, the Crimson Mallee thrives in harsh, rocky conditions. It is a fast-growing tree that reaches 4 – 6 m. It also has an attractive mallee habit – multiple slender straggly stems that are light grey or brown and smooth with a rough, fibrous base.
Crimson Mallee often develops drooping branches. Its attractive glossy blue-green or olive-green, lance-shaped foliage adds a textural quality to the tree’s overall appearance.
15. Eucalyptus albopurpurea (Port Lincoln Mallee)
Eucalyptus albopurpurea, or Port Lincoln Mallee, is a beautiful small mallee with vibrant flowers, high adaptability to tough growing environments, and an attractive tree form.
It is endemic to coastal regions of South Australia, where it thrives in sandy soils and a warm Mediterranean climate. This mallee species can handle nutrient-poor soils with alkaline pH and is highly adaptable to semi-arid, temperate, and subtropical climates.
Growing to 4 – 5 m, it develops a dense, multi-stemmed form with smooth, grey bark that shows exfoliation at the lower part. Its foliage is glossy, grey-green, and lance- or spear-shaped. From winter to summer, magnificent clusters of white, pink, mauve, and purple flowers emerge.
16. Eucalyptus incrassata (Ridge-fruited Mallee)
Eucalyptus incrassata, known as Ridge–fruited Mallee, is admired for its rugged, sturdy appearance and the prominently ribbed, thick fruit that gives it its name. It is often planted as a shade tree or for a windbreak, screening, or erosion control.
Ridge-fruited Mallee is one of the most widespread mallee species. It is found in coastal and inland regions across southern Australia and is highly adaptable to various soil types, from acidic to alkaline.
Ridged-fruited Mallee often grows to 3 – 7 m as a shade tree or large shrub with multiple strong stems and smooth, pale grey bark. Its foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, thick, and dark green. Clusters of cream to pale yellow flowers emerge from late winter to autumn.
17. Eucalyptus pyriformis (Dowerin Rose)
Eucalyptus pyriformis, or Dowerin Rose, is renowned for its large, show-stopping pendulous buds and flowers. After the blossom, the decorative pear-like woody fruits (gumnuts) continue to add visual interest to the tree.
Native to the subcoastal region of Western Australia, Dowerin Rose thrives on sandy soils in drought-prone conditions. It is a fast-growing tree that often reaches 2 – 5 m in a straggly, multi-stemmed form. Its stems are smooth and greyish brown. The canopy is open, moderately dense, and spreading.
The foliage of Dowerin Rose is thick, spear-shaped, blue-green, or grey-green. In bloom, large pear-like flower buds emerge in clusters of three. The buds open into magnificent creamy white, pink, or red flowers, creating a remarkable display.
18. Eucalyptus stoatei (Scarlet Pear Gum)
Eucalyptus stoatei, or Scarlet Pear Gum, is one of the most quirky small eucalyptus trees because of its visually intriguing pear-like flowers that develop into scarlet fruits, especially when they appear en masse.
Scarlet Pear Gum is native to the subcoastal regions of southern Western Australia, where it grows in gravelly or sandy soils. It is a fast-growing mallet with a graceful, slender, greyish-white, smooth trunk. The tree has an upright, round, dense canopy and often grows to 3 – 6 m.
The foliage is attractive, thick, glossy, elliptical or spear-shaped, and dark green. In bloom, stunning scarlet to deep red pear-shaped flowers with yellow stamens emerge in abundance, creating an intriguing display.
19. Eucalyptus stricklandii (Strickland’s Gum)
Eucalyptus stricklandii, or Strickland’s Gum, wins because of its vibrant yellow flowers and the tree’s striking form. An additional feature is its resilient nature. Strickland’s Gum has been widely used in drier regions of southern Australia as a street tree or shade tree in parklands.
Endemic to the semi-arid region of southern Western Australia, this robust eucalypt is fast-growing and drought and frost-hardy. Reaching 4 – 8 m, it often forms an attractive branching structure and a dense, shapely canopy.
The trunk is often smooth, light brown, or grey on the upper and rough, fibrous on the lower end. The foliage is thick, leathery, lance-shaped, and deep green or grey-green. In bloom, bright, stunning yellow flowers emerge in dense clusters, offering a seasonal extravaganza.
20. Eucalyptus ‘Torwood’ (Hybrid Coral Gum)
Eucalyptus ‘Torwood’ is a natural hybrid of Eucalyptus torquata and Eucalyptus woodardii. Both are fantastic medium-height species from semi-arid southern Western Australia. It has a beautiful blend of forms from its parent species.
This fast-growing hybrid features a refined single smooth trunk that sometimes appears orange. The branches can spread widely and form a broad, dense canopy. Growing to 4 – 8 m, this Hybrid Coral Gum thrives on sandy, nutrient-poor soils in dry and low-rainfall areas. It is resistant to drought and moderate frost.
Eucalyptus ‘Torwood’ produces masses of yellow, orange, pink, or red flower clusters that draw immense admiration. Its foliage is attractive, lance-shaped, and blue-green. It is an ideal feature or shade tree for drought-prone gardens with a wider space.
21. Eucalyptus luehmanniana (Yellow Top Mallee Ash)
Eucalyptus luehmanniana, or Yellow Top Mallee Ash, is a rare, beautiful tree with large pendulous leaves, clustered creamy flowers, and a striking smooth trunk. It is among the most ornamental small eucalyptus trees.
Native to Sydney, Australia, Yellow Top Mallee Ash grows in shallow, infertile, rocky soils and thrives in temperate and subtropical climates. It can withstand drought and light frost and often adopts a multi-stemmed, upright form in nature, with smooth white or light grey bark.
Yellow Top Mallee Ash is fast-growing and can reach 7 m as a single-stemmed tree, with a dense canopy. Its foliage is lance- or sickle-shaped, glossy green, and pendulous. When in bloom, creamy or creamy-white flowers emerge in large clusters, creating a magnificent seasonal delight.
Yellow Top Mallee Ash is a popular urban tree, often planted where the tree height is a concern.
22. Eucalyptus platypus (Round-leaved Moort)
Eucalyptus platypus, or Round‐leaved Moort, is an attractive mallet with many attributes. The most distinctive is its dense, spreading habit, with beautiful, smooth, light brown bark and uniquely rounded, bluish-green foliage.
Adding to its allure are the elongated flower buds, reminiscent of a platypus’s claw (hence its botanical name) that eventually turn into clusters of creamy white flowers.
Round-leaved Moort is native to the south coastal and subcoastal regions of Western Australia. This fast-growing mallet typically grows to 8 m and is highly adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay and hot, dry, arid conditions. It is drought and frost-hardy and can thrive in inland and coastal areas.
23. Eucalyptus ‘Summer Sensation’
Eucalyptus ‘Summer Sensation’ is a cultivar of Eucalyptus olivacea (now believed to be Eucalyptus macrandra). Native to the southern coast of Western Australia, this mallee features urchin-like red buds that turn into profuse, fluffy lemon-yellow, lightly scented flowers.
Eucalyptus ‘Summer Sensation’ adopts a multi-stemmed form in nature and has smooth, pale grey to light brown bark. When grown as a single-stemmed tree, it can reach 4 – 6 m and develops a dense canopy with lance-shaped, leathery, bright green foliage.
Eucalyptus ‘Summer Sensation’ thrives in hot, dry Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. It is highly adaptable to various soil types and is ideal for both inland and coastal regions.
24. Eucalyptus cladocalyx ‘Vintage Red’ (Red-leaved Dwarf Sugar Gum)
Eucalyptus cladocalyx ‘Vintage Red’ is a grafted cultivar of Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx). This plant develops unique dark red foliage and reddish-black stems, which peel off over time and reveal smooth grey bark. It is the first-ever eucalypt that features striking red leaves.
Eucalyptus cladocalyx ‘Vintage Red’ is highly drought-tolerant. It thrives in temperate, Mediterranean, semi-arid climates, or less humid subtropical regions. This cultivar is drought-hardy and has moderate frost tolerance.
Eucalyptus cladocalyx ‘Vintage Red’ responds well to pruning and can be kept as a shrub. The cut foliage can be used in floral arrangements. When grown as a tree, it can grow to 8 m, with a stunning, compact, and rounded canopy.
Final thoughts
Small eucalyptus trees are a fantastic way to infuse your home garden with an authentic Australian landscape vibe. Their unique features, from the sculptural trunk of Eucalyptus stricklandii to the bold, vibrant blooms of Eucalyptus erythrocorys, instantly evoke the rugged beauty of the Australian outback.
These trees, with their textured bark and robust, sculptural forms, mirror their resilient nature. They thrive in dry, sun-drenched conditions. Their high tolerance to drought makes them ideal for creating low-maintenance, eco-friendly gardens.
Whether used as striking focal points, natural privacy screens, or artistic accents, they attract native birds and bees, further connecting your garden with Australia’s wild heritage.
Small eucalyptus trees deliver an unmistakable sense of adventure and timeless charm, transforming everyday outdoor spaces into a vibrant celebration of Australia’s unique flora and natural spirit.
