For the koala, Eucalyptus cinerea (Eucalyptus cinerea) is an essential ingredient in its diet. In its native Australian environment, this evergreen tree can reach heights of 60 feet or more, but in home gardens, it tends to remain confined to a height of 6–10 feet. The smaller branches of this tree have reddish-brown bark that peels off. When bruised, the plant’s menthol-like scent emanates from the silvery to blue-green leaves. The best time to plant eucalyptus trees is in the spring. They can grow several feet a year at a rapid pace. The bark, leaves, and sap of eucalyptus are both toxic to humans and animals, so it’s important to be aware of this.
Eucalyptus Planting Instructions
Planting Season
For spring planting, start eucalyptus seeds 10 to 12 weeks before the predicted last frost date in your area. After the risk of frost has passed, spring is the ideal time to plant your nursery plants in the garden.
Finding the Right Place to Plant a Tree
Select a location for your plantings that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. In addition, make sure there is enough room for the tree to grow to its full height and width. A young eucalyptus plant should not be shaded by nearby trees or shrubs. When given enough light, this plant can also be grown in containers and indoors.
How Much Room Do You Need?
Multiple eucalyptus trees need to be at least 8 feet apart if you’re going to plant more than one. Do not plant them any deeper than in their nursery pot. It is not uncommon for these trees to grow without the need for staking or other support structures.
Plant Care for Eucalyptus
Light
If you want your Eucalyptus to thrive, make sure it has at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Eucalyptus plants kept indoors should be placed near a window that gets plenty of light, preferably one facing south.
Soil
Eucalyptus can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil. When growing plants in containers, you’ll need a well-draining soil mix. The ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral.
Water
Once established, eucalyptus can withstand some drought. However, it is not a fan of prolonged periods of dryness, and this could cause it to lose its leaves or branches. Soil should be watered if your fingertip touches the soil and you can tell it is dry. If there hasn’t been any rain, you’ll need to do this every week, especially for container plants.
Humidity and Temperature
Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for eucalyptus, and it prefers a moderate humidity level. It can’t withstand temperatures below 50 degrees for long periods of time. It’s best if you bring your plant indoors if the weather is going to be chilly.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer isn’t usually necessary for plants grown in the ground. Container plants, on the other hand, will use up their nutrients much faster. So, throughout the growing season, follow the label instructions and feed them a low-nitrogen houseplant fertilizer.
Eucalyptus species
It’s not the only eucalyptus out there; there are many others. Included are:
Eucalyptus globulus: This species, also known as blue gum, has smooth bark and can grow in a wide range of environments.
Eucalyptus gunnii: Cider gum is a species of eucalyptus that can withstand cold temperatures better than most others.
Eucalyptus platypus: This extremely hardy species, also known as moort, can withstand heavy soils, cold temperatures, and even drought.
Eucalyptus tree harvesting
Eucalyptus can be harvested for a variety of purposes besides its obvious beauty. Reap the rewards of your labor later in the growing season by waiting to collect mature branches and leaves. Pruning tools or a pair of scissors can be used to remove just the leaves. When they are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store the leaves in glass jars with tightly sealed lids until they are slightly leathery or crispy. It is possible to use dried leaves to make teas and other beverages flavorful.
Glycerin is a great way to preserve branches if you plan to use them in crafts. Simply cut off a portion of a branch that you find appealing. Choose a container large enough to hold your entire eucalyptus branch. Stir two parts boiling water into one part glycerin, and set aside to cool. Insert the cut end of the eucalyptus branch until it is standing in about three inches of liquid in the large container after adding some of the cooled liquid. Inspect the branch on a weekly basis and store the container in a dark, cool location. To maintain the ideal level of liquid, add more as necessary. Two to six weeks is typical for the branch to dry. You can expect the leaves to turn from green to purple or silver, with a velvety texture. The branch should be hung upside-down for two to three days after it has dried in the container.
Grow Eucalyptus in Small Pots
This plant is commonly grown in containers outside of its native hardiness zone. Bringing plants indoors to keep them warm is a great way for gardeners to combat the winter chill. Many gardeners, however, treat container eucalyptus plants as annuals because of their rapid growth rate and start with new plants each year. Because of this, they can be used as houseplants and on balconies and decks without becoming too large.
The roots of these plants are very sensitive to being disturbed. To avoid having to repot, it’s best to start with a large container. There is nothing wrong with a 5-gallon container. For portability’s sake, plastic containers may be a better choice than unglazed clay for allowing excess moisture to escape through the walls. Use a quality fast-draining potting mix in any container and make sure it has plenty of drainage holes.
Pruning
Pruning Eucalyptus trees is rarely necessary. To keep the plant looking good, you can prune overgrown, broken, or misshapen branches. Pruning is best done during the summer months, but avoid doing so during periods of high humidity.
Eucalyptus Seeds Propagation
It is most common to grow eucalyptus trees from seed or nursery stock. There aren’t many trees that flower and produce their own seeds in your backyard. Cuttings can also be used to propagate them, but this method isn’t always successful. However, obtaining a new eucalyptus plant in this manner is a low-cost and time-saving alternative to purchasing one from a garden center. Take cuttings when the tree is 2 to 12 months old for best results; rooting mature stems is a challenging task. In late summer, take your cuttings. In order to do so, here is how:
- A three-to-one composted tree bark-to-perlite ratio is ideal for small pots. Follow the directions on the label for the size of the pot when applying a slow-release fertilizer. Grow medium should be kept moist.
- Make use of sterile pruning shears in order to cut a 5-inch-long stem with a maximum of four to eight leaves. Just above a leaf node, snip.
- Remove the lower-half leaves of the cutting.
- Using a rooting hormone, coat the cut end and then plant it in the growing medium up to the point where the leaves begin to emerge.
- Place the container in a room with indirect light and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Make certain that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
- Roots will begin to appear within a month. Moving it to a more sunny location and spacing out waterings will help it get used to its new environment. During the warmer months, bring it outside for longer and longer periods of time before planting it in your garden.
How to Start a Eucalyptus Plant from Seeds
Before planting seeds, they must be kept in the refrigerator for two months to ensure their viability. Approximately 10 to 12 weeks before your area’s last predicted frost date, sow them indoors. Avoid disturbing the roots of your seedlings by using a seed-starting mix in peat pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Only lightly cover the seeds with the growing medium. Keep the growing medium moist but never soggy by misting the pots in a warm location with indirect bright light. Two to three weeks should be enough time for seeds to sprout. After a few weeks of growth, the seedlings are ready to be transplanted outside.
Overwintering
It’s imperative that you bring your container eucalyptus plant indoors for the winter if you live outside its hardiness zone. Frost can damage or kill your plant’s foliage, so keep it protected from the elements. During the winter, keep it near a window with the best light, preferably one facing south. Withholding fertilizer and watering the plant only when necessary are the best practices.
Invasive Species
Eucalyptus trees are generally free of pests and diseases. However, eucalyptus long-horned borers can occasionally be found on stressed plants. There are many telltale signs of an infestation, including holes in the bark, oozing sap, and discolored foliage. Pesticides are not effective against borers, so get rid of the affected area as soon as possible.
