About
Eucalyptus vernicosa, the varnished gum, is a distinctive, very slow-growing evergreen shrub reaching around only 1 m in 4 years, eventually growing to 3�4 m. Leaves to 5 cm are thickly textured and highly glossy � egg-shaped to round when juvenile, more elongated and stalked when adult. White flowers may appear as solitary blooms on mature plants. An unusual and ornamental dwarf eucalyptus for a sheltered, well-drained 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toAustralia (Tasmania)
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil that does not dry out, in full sun and sheltered from cold, drying winds. See eucalyptus cultivation
PruningPruning group 1 or, for young specimens giving the best display of juvenile foliage, Pruning group 7
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