About
Evergreen tree to 20m tall, or multi-stemmed shrub about 12m tall, endemic to south eastern Australia. White flowers from early spring to early summer are followed by conical woody fruits. Juvenile leaves are rounded, to 6cm long and adult leaves are oval and 10cm long, aromatic and glossy green, occasionally with a white bloom. Light grey, fibrous bark with white patches on the trunk and larger branches, and smooth grey bark on upper branches that sheds in short ribbons.
About the genus
Eucalyptus are evergreen trees or large shrubs, often fast-growing, some with attractive bark, most with aromatic foliage, and clusters of small, white, yellow or red flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical
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. See eucalyptus cultivation In mild counties and frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, neutral to acid soil, in full sun with shelter from winds; in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, in a mix of lime-free potting compost and grit, in full light with good ventilation. Water freely in spring and summer and apply a general fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. See eucalyptus cultivation
PruningPruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. May need restrictive pruning under glass. 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