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
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
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.