Eucalyptus globulus
southern blue gum
A fast-growing evergreen tree to 30m or more, with white to cream, yellow or grey bark that sheds in ribbons to reveal light green and brown inner bark. It has highly aromatic foliage, the juvenile leaves ovate and blue-white; adult leaves sickle-shaped. White flowers are borne on mature trees in spring or summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Blue White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Blue White | ||
| Autumn | Blue White | |||
| Winter | Blue White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NSW, Victoria, Tasmania
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil that does not dry out, in full sun; shelter from cold drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7.
Pests
May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.