Eucalyptus.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Evergreen tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

30 to 180 feet depending on species

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 8 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to mid summer

Care

Plant these in a spot with excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Watch for wilting leaves, which often signal that the soil has dried out too much. Keep an eye out for pests like scale or aphids during the warmer months.

Watering

Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Repotting

Repot young trees when they become root bound, but be careful as they dislike root disturbance.

Soil

Well draining, slightly acidic soil

Soil pH

5.5 to 6.5

Temperature

-7 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The essential oils in the leaves are toxic if ingested in quantity and can cause skin irritation.

Pets

Eucalyptus is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Children

Keep children away from the leaves as they are not for consumption and may cause mouth irritation.

Contact allergens

Contact with the sap or crushed leaves can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can trigger allergic reactions in some people during the flowering season.

Edibility

Most eucalyptus foliage is toxic if ingested and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

• Aromatic, lance shaped leaves
• Distinctive peeling or shedding bark
• Clusters of small, cup shaped flowers
• Hard, woody seed capsules

Height

3 to 30m

Spread

2 to 10m

Leaves

blue-green, silver, grey-green, evergreen

Flowers

white, cream, yellow, pink, 1 to 3cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Eucalyptus weevil · Beetles that feed on the leaves, causing skeletonization.
• Root rot · Fungal infection caused by poorly drained soil.

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, early autumn

Because eucalyptus can be allelopathic, it is best to plant companions at a distance from the main trunk.

Grows well with

• Lavender · They share similar requirements for full sun and well-drained soil.
• Rosemary · This herb thrives in the same dry, sunny conditions as eucalyptus.

Similar species

• Bottlebrush · They share similar flower structures and Australian origins.
• Tea Tree · They are closely related and share similar foliage and oil properties.

Science

Family

Myrtaceae

Genus

Eucalyptus

Order

Myrtales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Primarily Australia, with some species in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Conservation

While some species are widespread, others are threatened in their native Australian habitats due to land clearing.

These trees are highly adapted to fire-prone environments and often resprout from lignotubers after a blaze.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, nesting habitat

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental specimen, essential oil production, cut foliage for arrangements, windbreak

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow eucalyptus in a pot?

Yes, they do well in containers if pruned regularly to keep their size manageable.

How often should I water my eucalyptus?

Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Where the name comes from

The name comes from the Greek words eu, meaning well, and kalyptos, meaning covered, referring to the operculum that covers the flower buds.

Good to know

• Eucalyptus trees are the primary food source for koalas.
• The oil is widely used in cold remedies for its decongestant properties.
• Some species are among the tallest flowering plants on Earth.
• The leaves contain compounds that can inhibit the growth of other plants nearby.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs