About
Eucalyptus amygdalina, the black peppermint, is an evergreen shrub or tree from Tasmania reaching around 30 m with fibrous, grey to greyish-brown bark on the trunk, salmon-pink to white bark on smaller branches, and long, narrow, strongly peppermint-scented leaves. White flowers in bunches of 11�15 appear in summer, followed by rounded, woody fruits. A dramatic and aromatic specimen tree for a large, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Eucalyptus are evergreen trees or large shrubs, most native to Australia, often fast-growing with attractive, often peeling or mottled bark, aromatic foliage and clusters of fluffy white, yellow or red flowers. Grown as specimen trees, hedges or coppiced for foliage in gardens and parks.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors grow in fertile neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Grow tender species outdoors in mild or frost-free counties only or in a greenhouse/conservatory. See eucalyptus cultivation
PruningPruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. See Eucalyptus: pruning
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus