Eucalyptus
Gum tree, Eucalypt
Also known as Corymbia
- Height × spread
- 4m – 30m × 2.5m – 12m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 500 species of Eucalyptus and they are principally found in Australia, as well as the Philippines and Malaysia. In many parts of the world they are grown for economic as well as ornamental purposes. They are loved for their aromatic foliage and picturesque appearance. Some forms have silver bark and the foliage of some species is used, in its juvenile form, for flower arranging. Other forms have oil that is used in aromatherapy. Quite a wide range of plants are grown in the UK, although none are hardy in all parts of the country. Many are extremely vigorous and are unsuited to small gardens unless coppiced regularly. The more tender, exotic forms often have beautiful and distinctive flowers which make them an asset in ornamental plantings across the world.
- Flower colour
- White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Grey
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Cone, Fan, Oval
- Height
- 4m – 30m
- Spread
- 2.5m – 12m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune annually or for reducing size
The plant can either be generally pruned by removing dead or damaged growth and misplaced or crossing branches. When it becomes too large, or if a smaller plant is required, take the plant back to about 3 buds from its base.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus gunnii
Gum tree, Eucalypt, Cider gum, Alpine cider gum
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River red gum
Eucalyptus citriodora 'Hook'
Citron-scented gum, Lemon scented eucalyptus
Eucalyptus coccifera
Gum tree, Eucalypt, Mount Wellington peppermint, Tasmania snow gum
Eucalyptus dalrympleana
Gum tree, Eucalypt, Mountain gum, Broad leaved kindling bark
Eucalyptus glaucescens
Tingiringi gum
Eucalyptus globulus
Tasmanian blue gum, Blue gum, Fever tree, Stringy bark tree
Eucalyptus gregsoniana
Gum tree, Eucalypt, Wolgan snow gum, Mallee snow gum