Eucalyptus

Plant family

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

100 cm

Row spacing

150 cm

Seeding depth

Not specified

Instructions

Description

Eucalyptus trees and shrubs are evergreen plants that can grow from a few meters to over 60 meters depending on the species. The bark varies greatly between species and can be smooth, fibrous or scaly. Young leaves are often rounded and opposite on the branches, while older leaves are lanceolate and alternate. Many species contain essential oils that give off an intense fragrance. The flowers are usually creamy white, yellow or reddish and consist of numerous stamens that form a striking structure. The fruit is a so-called capsule fruit, which contains small, often very fine seeds.

Growing tips

Eucalyptus should be slowly acclimatized to full sun at the beginning to avoid sunburn. Regular pruning is recommended to promote compact growth. Care should be taken to ensure that the substrate is well-drained, as eucalyptus is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Eucalyptus grows quickly in containers, so it is important to adjust the pot regularly to provide enough space for the roots. Transplanting should be done sparingly, as the roots are sensitive to disturbance. Older plants are very drought-resistant and require little water. In colder regions, it is advisable to choose frost-hardy eucalyptus species or to bring sensitive varieties indoors during the winter.