How to Grow Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. In the UK, choose a hardy species such as E. gunnii and plant small — young trees establish far better than large specimens. Coppice annually in spring to keep the plant manageable and produce the attractive round juvenile foliage prized by florists. Shelter from cold, drying winds, especially in the first few winters.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. Avoid high-phosphorus feeds.
Watch For
- Eucalyptus gall wasp
- Silver leaf
- Psyllids
Companions
Grasses, Lavender, Cistus
Track your Eucalyptus care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun in an open position
Full sun is essential. Eucalyptus needs an open, bright position to grow well and develop strong wood.
💧 Watering
Water young trees; drought-tolerant once established
Water young trees regularly during their first two summers. Established eucalyptus is drought-tolerant once its deep roots are developed.
🌱 Fertilizing
Avoid phosphorus; rarely needs feeding
Rarely needed. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers — eucalyptus is adapted to low-phosphorus soils and can suffer toxicity from excess.
✂️ Pruning
Coppice in spring or prune to shape
Can be coppiced annually in spring by cutting to a low stump to produce attractive round juvenile foliage. Alternatively, prune to shape as a tree in spring.
❄️ Overwintering
Shelter young trees from cold winds
Hardiness varies by species. E. gunnii is one of the hardiest. Young trees need shelter from cold, drying winds for the first two or three winters. Stake well.
Growing Tips
Plant small for best results
Buy the smallest available plant and establish it well. Large eucalyptus transplant poorly because of their fast, top-heavy growth.
Coppice for juvenile foliage
Cut to a low stump each spring to keep the plant shrub-sized and produce the round juvenile leaves used in floristry.
Skip the phosphorus
Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers — eucalyptus is adapted to low-phosphorus soils and can suffer from toxicity.
Shelter young trees from wind
Young trees are vulnerable to cold winds. Stake well and provide a windbreak for the first two or three winters.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Eucalyptus Gall Wasp
Identification: Raised, lumpy galls on stems, leaf stalks, and midribs; distorted growth; heavy infestations weaken the plant
- Prune out and destroy galled growth before adult wasps emerge in spring
- Coppice affected plants hard to remove all galled wood
- No effective chemical treatment available
Pest Eucalyptus Psyllids
Identification: Small sap-sucking insects on young leaves; white waxy secretions; distorted and discoloured new growth
- Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings
- Prune out heavily affected shoots
- Spray with a systemic insecticide if infestations are severe on young trees
Pest Eucalyptus Sucker
Identification: Flattened, scale-like nymphs on leaf undersides; copious honeydew and sooty mould
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Prune out heavily infested growth
- Apply a systemic insecticide in spring when new growth appears
Disease Silver Leaf Chondrostereum purpureum
Symptoms: Leaves develop a silvery sheen; affected branches die back; purple-brown fungal brackets on dead wood
Treatment: Prune out affected branches at least 15cm below stained wood; sterilise tools
Prevention: Prune in dry weather; avoid winter pruning; seal large wounds
Disease Phytophthora Root Rot Phytophthora spp.
Symptoms: Yellowing foliage; wilting despite moist soil; dark discolouration at the stem base; rapid decline
Treatment: No reliable cure; remove and destroy affected trees
Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged sites; plant on well-drained ground
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 600 cm |
| Row spacing | 600 cm |
| Mature height | 1500 cm |
| Mature spread | 600 cm |
Large evergreen tree native to Australia. Spacing varies by species - from 300cm for mallee types to 1000cm for large timber species. Fast-growing. Aromatic foliage.
Log Eucalyptus in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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