Eucalyptus saxatilis The Suggan Buggan or Mount Wheeler Mallee
This is the short form description whilst I work on the full version – contact us if you would like more details
Rare and rather special. Also known as the Suggan Buggan Mallee, Eucalyptus saxatilis is a beautiful small tree that will typically grow to around 5 meters. It has slender green foliage with a blue haze and a strong fresh eucalyptol aroma.
This would make a great gift for anyone who collects unusual and interesting trees.
A wonderful small-medium sized tree that should reach around 10 meters, but which can be kept smaller through pruning. As it is relatively unknown in the UK, it may grow taller.
Foliage: Oblong to round leaves when young, changing to the typical mature eucalyptus lance shape when mature. Blue/grey-green in colour. Older adult foliage in the canopy often takes on a rather attractive rose-pink hue as it matures
Bark: One of its best features. Pearl grey outer bark bark peels in short ribbons to reveal smooth clotted cream and apricot under bark – really very beautiful.
Height: Short term 8-10 years Eucalyptus saxatilis will reach around 5 metres. If not pruned and under really optimum conditions it could become a little taller over 20+ years.
Hardiness is moderate, we would be wary of planting this species anywhere that gets below -8/-10oC in the winter. Consider it similar to Eucalyptus gregsoniana, and plant below Gloucester, or on the west coast of the UK where the winters are more-mild.
If you live in the north and would like to give Eucalyptus saxatilis a trial, grow as a container specimen and offer it winter protection in a greenhouse or surround it with a supporting cast of small trees and bushes in your garden.
Prefers full sun and normal to sandy/gravelly free draining soil. This tree hails from rocky outcrops in Victoria, so will not be happy in swampy wet clay soils.
Eucalyptus saxatilis would make a superb tree for small to medium sized gardens.
Suggan Buggan is located in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. A micro-township, which recorded a magnificent population of 5 people in 2021! The most notable thing seems to be a timber shack schoolhouse built around 1860 for a family with 13 children; but in the most beautiful setting, and surrounded by magnificent Eucalyptus!
