Browse plants / Myrtaceae
Red ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon
Also called Mugga ironbark
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, flowering
- May, flowering
- June, flowering
- July, flowering
- August, flowering
- September, flowering
- October, flowering
- November, not flowering
- December, not flowering
Tough ironbark with deeply furrowed black bark and pink, red or cream blossom from autumn to spring.
Its hard, black, deeply furrowed bark makes it one of the most distinctive gums. Flowers come through the cooler months, when they are an important nectar source for honeyeaters, lorikeets and bees. Pink-flowered forms are popular as street and park trees.
In the garden
- Flowers
- White, pink or red gum blossom in clusters of seven.
- Leaves
- Narrow grey-green leaves; hard, deeply furrowed black bark.
- Attracts
- Birds, pollinating insects and shelter for small wildlife
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Sandy, loam and clay
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Moderate frost
- Water
- Very drought tolerant
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed
Planting
Full sun with room for a large tree; at least 10 m from buildings.
Pruning
Have a qualified arborist remove dead or weak limbs from older trees.
Care
No feeding needed. Water young trees through dry spells for the first two summers.
Safety
Large gums can drop branches without warning, especially in hot, still weather. Keep it well away from houses, driveways and play areas.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Order
- Myrtales
- Native to
- New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria
- Natural range
- Dry woodland on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, from southern Queensland through NSW to northern Victoria.
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Eucalyptus sideroxylon on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.