It has become very trendy in recent years in flower bouquets. Coming from Australia and the Myrtaceae family,
the eucalyptus
(
eucalyptus globulus
), is renowned for its evergreen leaves, its silvery green-gray color and its fragrance. The eucalyptus is also nicknamed gum tree because of the resin that can flow from its trunk.
Which variety of eucalyptus to choose?
There are several varieties of this bushy shrub. The most common are:
Eucalyptus
gunnii
, commonly known as cider gum, is very tall and relatively wide (around nine metres), with rounded leaves. It is hardy and grows quickly.
The
eucalyptus cinerea
is as tall as it is wide and with leaves shaped like small hearts.
Eucalyptus
dalrympleana
, mountain white gum, is a tall tree with long, pointed leaves, with bark that turns pink when temperatures are low.
The
eucalyptus globulus
, called blue gum, can reach thirty meters high. Its bark is white or light gray and it is furnished with long leaves.
Lemon eucalyptus
has
transparent foliage, a scent reminiscent of lemongrass. Its growth is rapid.
Eucalyptus
stellulata
, a hardy black gum tree, has foliage with blue reflections and white, pompom-shaped flowers in winter.
The
eucalyptus parviflora
is a rustic and tall tree, which can grow up to ten meters, with olive green leaves.
The
Gregson eucalyptus
, snow gum, has silver-gray, sickle-shaped leaves and white bark.
When to plant a eucalyptus?
The two best periods are spring and early autumn, before the temperature drops and the first frosts.
Where to plant a eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus is an outdoor plant that needs to be planted in non-calcareous, slightly acidic, well-drained, deep and humus-rich soil. It should be exposed in a sunny place.
In coastal areas, it is recommended to avoid drafts and strong winds. Better to choose a young plant for better adhesion and growth.
How to plant a eucalyptus?
So that the roots do not run out of space, you must dig a hole approximately sixty centimeters in diameter and depth. Then, install the tree with the collar remaining on the outside. Then, fill the empty space around it with soil before flattening it and watering it.
Advice
Before choosing its location, think carefully about the growth of the eucalyptus. It can reach up to thirty meters high, depending on the species.
How to maintain a eucalyptus?
Watering
It must be regular and moderate, especially in the first years. You can, by touching the soil, check if it is wet or dry and add water as appropriate. The same goes in times of drought or heatwave.
The size
Pruning eucalyptus is not recommended. However, you can cut damaged or too dry parts once a year. Cut into the shape you want to give it. If you want to collect a few branches for a bouquet that will find its place in your interior, it is also entirely possible to cut a few stems.
If all of the above conditions are met, flowering will occur between spring and summer.