Eucalyptus - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Queensland, Australia. It is known for its strong lemony scent when the leaves are crushed and for the lemon-scented oil produced from its leaves, which is used in perfumery. The trunks and branches of this species are powdery white to pinkish and the trunks are usually very straight. In nature, these trees can reach heights of 75-100 ft, but their size can be easily controlled through selective pruning and container size when grown in a greenhouse setting. The white blooms of Lemon Eucalyptus are not particularly distinctive, but they are followed by woody urn-shaped capsules about half an inch wide.

Lemon Eucalyptus is best suited to USDA Zones 8-11 and can survive temperatures as low as the mid-20s Fahrenheit for a short time. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and should be watered moderately. In the summer months, water occasionally, and in the winter, water only once a month. Fertilize twice a year, once before the new growth flush in spring and again in early summer. Pruning can be done in late spring to control size and for ornamental shaping. Both young and mature specimens display their ornamental foliage with aromatic fragrance.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Lemon Eucalyptus has a number of practical uses. The leaves can be used in teas, tinctures, and as a culinary herb for fish and chicken dishes. The plant has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties and can be used for antiseptic purposes. Lemon eucalyptus oil is also widely used in aromatherapy, such as in oil diffusers or baths.

Lemon Eucalyptus is an attractive and useful plant to have in the garden or landscape. It provides a number of benefits, including its impressive height, fragrant foliage, healing oil, and ornamental qualities. Just be sure to protect it in colder and humid climates, as it is still susceptible to damage in these conditions.

Eucalyptus deglupta - Rainbow Eucalyptus is one of the most striking trees in the world, famous for its naturally multi-colored peeling bark in shades of green, blue, purple, orange, and red. Native to the humid tropical forests of the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, it is a very fast-growing tall tree with an elegant upright form and pleasantly aromatic leaves. Unlike most eucalyptus species, this one is highly cold sensitive and should be protected from frost, hard freezes, and cold winds. Best suited for USDA Zones 10-11, it thrives in full sun, warm humid conditions, and moist well-drained soil, though it also tolerates periodic flooding. An outstanding specimen tree for tropical and subtropical landscapes.

Eucalyptus is an enormous and fascinating genus that accounts for more than two-thirds of Australia's vegetation. The only major environment where they are absent is rainforest. There are about 12 species which occur naturally outside of Australia, while around 700 are Australian endemics. Only 2 species are not found in Australia. One of these, Eucalyptus deglupta, is the only eucalyptus to be found growing naturally in the northern hemisphere, occurring in the southern Phillipines, New Guinea and Indonesia.

Essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus have attracted interest since the earliest days of settlement in Australia. One of the first articles of export from the newly established colony of New South Wales in 1788 was a quarter of a gallon of an essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves of Eucalyptus piperita growing on the shores of Port Jackson. Eucalyptus therapeutic properties attracted interest of the botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller so he prompted a Victorian pharmacist colleague, Joseph Bosisto, to investigate the commercial production of its essential oil. In 1852 operations were started. This was the beginning of the Australian essential oil industry. By 1900 the industry was firmly established, and for the next fifty years Australia remained the world's largest supplier of eucalyptus oil.

Most species of Eucalyptus go through a change from round and stem-clasping juvenile foliage to long and willowy mature foliage. Some people think of Eucalyptus as those large trees in Australia with willowy leaves that Koalas eat, and others imagine cute little silvery stems used in floral bouquets. Indeed, they are both Eucalyptus: the smaller stems and leaves represent the young plants, and the long willowy leaves come from mature trees.

Many eucalyptus species from desert or subtropical regions have showy flowers, those are usually a bit more cold sensitive. Very often Eucalyptus is regarded as not being hardy outside of the subtropics, which discourages people from planting them in cooler areas. However, most of the species are cold hardy. Practically all of them can withstand some frost. A large number of species are very hardy, withstanding hard freeze for many hours. Some of them can be grown in real cold areas with snowy winters (USDA zone 8 or colder). Eucalyptus hardiness makes this tree very desirable for exotic gardeners in different types of climates.

Besides cold hardiness, these trees have many other advantages: they help to control aphids and other insects, most of them will grow rapidly even in poor soil (as fast as 12 ft per year), and they are very attractive. Eucalyptus foliage is excellent for cut foliage in floral arrangements.

Eucalyptus is much faster growing than most other trees in cultivation and once planted in the ground, can be expected to grow 6 - 12 ft each year, as long as the young tree is healthy and not root-bounded (this is why it is recommended to go with a smaller size eucalyptus plant - it will grow much faster and better than its bigger root-bounded sister). They never go dormant and are able to grow whenever they have access to water and a little warmth, regardless of time of the year. They do better in cultivation than they in their natural habitat in Australia as most gardens and landscapes offer good soil, and freedom from competition - neither of which they usually get in their homeland. A good heavy mulch around the base of the tree will be a big plus.

Corymbia torelliana has fibrous bark on the base of the trunk followed by smooth bark which is usually greenish. Flowers white in large corymbose panicles on the outside of the foliage.

This small, multi-stemmed tree grows to a maximum of 10-20 feet tall, with a spread of 8-15 feet. It features a rounded canopy and attractive grey-green foliage. The foliage is covered in clusters of white or off-white bell-shaped blooms during spring and summer, which mature to pink. Its blooms are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making it popular for wildlife gardens.

Eucalyptus calycogona (Gooseberry Mallee) is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and prefers full sun. The tree thrives in well-drained, moist soils, though it can tolerate a wide variety of soil types. Established plants require little supplementary water, though in arid climates irrigation may be required. Pruning may be necessary to maintain the desired shape and size. Eucalyptus calycogona can be grown in containers and may be brought indoors for winter protection in colder climates. When grown in a pot and brought indoors, keep in a warm spot and water regularly.

It is one of the most widely planted eucalypts in the world. The tree produces welcome shade in the extreme temperatures, and plays an important role in stabilising river banks, holding the soil and reducing flooding. The species is named for a private estate garden near the Camaldoli monastery near Naples (L'Hortus Camaldulensis di Napoli), from where the first specimen came to be described. Red gum is so named for its brilliant red wood, which can range from a light pink through to almost black, depending on the age and weathering. Cold hardy, very fast growing. Like all eucalyptus trees it can grow as much as 6-12 ft per season.

Eucalyptus erythrocorys is one of the most spectacular of the eucalypts when in flower. Small, bushy tree has very dark green foliage and a white trunk. It has bright red caps that reveal yellow flower clusters when blooming throughout the year. The foliage of nearly all species has a strong pungent odor similar to menthol.

Eucalyptus kruseana (Book-leaf Mallee) is native to Australia. It's an evergreen, large shrub that grows from 5-10 ft tall. The leaves are gray-green, oval-shaped and very attractive in appearance. The flowers are bright yellow-orange and bloom in late winter or early spring.

Eucalyptus kruseana will thrive in full sun and needs moderate water when growing. This shrub is hardy to USDA Zone 10-11 and can be grown in a pot as long as it is well-drained. When planting, it always helps to add some compost or mulch to the soil. The shrub will benefit from occasional pruning to help keep a manageable shape.

For those living in colder climates who wish to grow this plant, Eucalyptus kruseana is best suited to a container. This will allow you to bring the plant inside during winter.

It is a beautiful, easy to maintain shrub and is sure to add a lovely, earthy feel to any garden. With its soft, white branchlets and stunning, yellow-orange flowers, this plant is sure to be the center of attention. If given the proper care, it will provide an eye-catching addition to the landscape for many years to come.

Eucalyptus leucoxylon is a big and beautiful tree which can grow taller than 20 ft. when fully mature. This majestic tree is native to Australia, where it grows in a range of climates and soils. It is perfect for those who are looking for a feature tree and can tolerate dry conditions. It thrives in full sun and in USDA zones 8-10.

It has an open, spreading crown and its bark is highly ornamental, featuring a beautiful gray-white background with patches of gray. The leaves of this tree are long, lance-shaped, and gray-green. In summer, the tree is adorned with magnificent clusters of flowers in shades of pink, white, off-white, and red.

If you live in colder regions, you can also grow Eucalyptus leucoxylon in a pot, making sure you provide it with protection from frost and snow. To keep it in optimal conditions, the pot-grown tree should be placed in an area of full sun and in soil that is well-drained. During dry periods, the soil should be watered frequently. Furthermore, the tree should be pruned regularly to promote fullness and further improve its appearance. If you take good care of your tree, it will reward you with its beauty and stately presence in your garden.

Eucalyptus macrocarpa typically grows to a height of 0.5 -8 m (1 ft 8 in-26 ft 3 in), has a sprawling or spreading habit, and forms a lignotuber. It has smooth, shiny, brownish over salmon-pink bark. Its crown is composed of juvenile leaves that are sessile, arranged in opposite pairs, heart-shaped with the bases wrapped around the stem, glaucous.