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Eucalyptus

gum tree

Genus of over 680 species of evergreen trees and shrubs found mostly in Australia. Grown for their usually aromatic foliage and decorative bark, young plants generally have opposite leaves and develop alternate leaves as the plant matures. White, cream or red flowers are produced in umbels at various times in the year

Other common names
Australian gum tree
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Cream White Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver Brown
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Myrtaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. See Eucalyptus: pruning

Pests

May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker

Diseases

May be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus

Get involved

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