This unusual evergreen lives high up in the branches of other trees.
The Gum Tree Mistletoe is a unique evergreen shrub that does not grow in the soil. Instead, it lives up in the canopy, attaching itself to host trees like Eucalyptus or Acacia to draw water and nutrients. In a garden, this hanging plant sits nestled in the branches of these companion trees rather than in a traditional garden bed.
Growing this plant is quite difficult because you must propagate it from seed directly onto a compatible host tree. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and requires very little watering, thriving in full sun or partial shade. It grows at a moderate rate, eventually reaching between 0.5 and 1.5 meters in height.
In the heat of summer, this shrub puts on a spectacular show of vibrant orange-red flowers. These bright blossoms are highly attractive to local birds, bees, and butterflies. It is a wonderful way to bring wildlife into the upper levels of your garden, though you must keep pets away as it is toxic to them.