When do eucalyptus trees grow

The other two trees at right are E. Here is the result of a small study I did, regarding Eucalyptus camphora : I had a total of four plants. They were all approximately one foot tall, in six inch pots, and recently transplanted from four inch pots, so therefore were not root bound. I planted one at an eastern location with half day sun, in June. Another went into an area by a low fence to the north, also with half day sun due to the sun coming over the fence.

This went in in early July. It must have by that point become somewhat rootbound, because its roots were coming out of the pots and growing into the ground. I snapped a large one when pulling it out of the cold frame. The other two plants were left in the six inch pots, and given a southern exposure with protection from high noon sun by the top of the cold frame. Here are the results: June planted plant: Now almost six feet tall! July planted plant: Now about two feet tall. Potted plants: Still only one foot tall, and very slow growing.

What's more, the six foot plant is starting to make woody growth, which I would assume is very important to help survive the winter. And yes, throw out those root bound plants and start with fresh healthy ones. As a side note, another Eucalyptus I was growing, E. The next step will be comparing the survival rate of the four E. They also drop a lot of litter and have loose, dry, shredding bark that leads to easy combustion.

One species of eucalyptus, E. This invasive species makes it difficult for native plants to survive by shading them out and leaving a thick layer of litter on the ground that inhibits germination. A significant risk of growing eucalyptus trees is the insect pests they harbor. Three Australian pests that have been introduced through the importation of the trees are the eucalyptus longhorn borer, the eucalyptus snout beetle, and the blue gum psyllid.

These pests have no natural enemies in North America, and an attack from a combination of these insects can severely damage or kill a eucalyptus tree. The only solution to infested trees is to remove and destroy them.

Eucalyptus thrives in almost any well-drained soil, tolerating salt, sand and high pH. There are a few notable species that will not achieve this rapid growth rate:.

The Snow gum family E. There is an interesting correlation between rate of growth of a Eucalyptus species and its potential mature height. We have experienced this in the nursery. Trees that grow rapidly tend to grow into tall trees and correspondingly, slower growing species tend to produce smaller trees. Chart showing expected growth rate and approximate height in maturity of Eucalyptus to be used in reference with the specific variety listing.

Factors which reduce the UK growth rates shown above:. Growing in a location with a short growing season Scotland , with reduced heat and light availability.

Growing in a windy, exposed location. Dry soils especially in areas of erratic or low rainfall. Aroma of the leaves: the smell and sound of the foliage are a pleasant sensory addition to any garden. Winter interest: bark detail and foliage.

Leaf colour: both new growth and winter foliage. What's next? Armed with your 'design brief' you can now tackle the list of species with confidence and match a tree with your wish list. Still unsure? Send us an email and we will try and help you reach a decision. Eucalyptus do not have periods of dormancy. Eucalyptus are evergreens and unlike deciduous trees, they do not take a winter break.

Further they do not produce a dormant terminal bud think of Horse-chestnuts with their large sticky buds , nor do they shut down like Pine trees. Therefore, Eucalypts grow for longer periods during the year and have greater annual extension growth than your average garden tree. Eucalyptus motto: 'Life is for living, why waste time sleeping?

Further, during periods of drought, they will stop growing and wait patiently; they don't pause or become dormant like a Philadelphus or Fuchsia. The minute rainfall arrives, Eucalyptus just start right back into growth again. Eucalyptus are very efficient at taking up water from the soil. It is therefore immensely important to keep the area underneath your tree absolutely free from weeds and grass lawn competition for a minimum of two years after planting; to ensure maximum successful establishment of the young tree.

Grassing down around Eucalyptus in later years can help towards restricting and slowing down growth, but should only be done once the tree is happily established and it has grown to at least 3 metres tall.

Some varieties of Eucalyptus respond well to regular coppicing see species list. Not only does this immediately reduce the overall size of the plant, but the practice also restricts top and root growth, by temporarily removing the food factory of the plant. This, in turn, prevents the Eucalypt from storing up nutrients and building a bigger root system, so future extension growth and annual output is temporarily restricted. Distance from buildings and structures needs to be considered: it is vitally important not to plant any tree too close to a building or important structure:.

Firstly, to prevent the tree damaging the building. Secondly, to prevent the building restricting the establishment and growth of the tree.

Eucalyptus in particular need access to direct light and an unrestricted sky, to be able to grow properly into a tree, so no overhead shade except for E. Position your Eucalyptus at least two thirds its potential mature height away from a building on ordinary loamy garden soils and an even greater distance away from buildings if you have a clay soil which has a tendency to shrink in periods of drought.

As a guide, if you choose a variety which could attain 10 metres in height you need to plant it approximately metres away from any structure on loam and probably about 10 metres away, if you grow on clay. Both types of leaves produce a lemon-scent oil called citronella, which is widely used in perfumes. Lemon scented gum bears small white flowers in winter. Some experts have reclassified this tree as Corymbia citriodora.

Eucalyptus deglupta gets its name from its multicolor bark. The tree sheds patches of bark irregularly to reveal green inner bark, which darkens with age to blue, purple, maroon, and orange. Also known as Mindanoa or Indonesian gum, it is a large tree, growing up to feet tall and 40 feet wide. Eucalyptus ficifolia is one of the showiest of eucalyptus trees. It bears clusters of red, orange, pink, or white flowers above the tree canopy sporadically throughout the year. The tree grows feet tall and wide.

In recent years, botanists have reclassified it as Corymbia ficifolia , but you'll often find it sold by its traditional name. Eucalyptus sideroxylon is called red ironbark because mature trees develop deeply furrowed reddish-brown bark.

This tree may grow strongly upright to 80 feet tall, or it may be weeping in form and remain below 20 feet tall. The width ranges from feet. Leaves on juvenile plants are bluish white and lancelike in shape. Mature trees produce sickle-shape leaves that turn bronze in winter. Flower color varies from pinkish white to red. Eucalyptus cinerea is a small tree that grows up to 30 feet tall and feet wide.

The silvery leaves are round and gray-green, giving rise to the tree's common name. As the plant ages, leaves become more oval and elongated. It is hardy in Zones but may die back to the ground in severe winters. In colder Zones it can be grown as an annual, reaching up to 8 feet tall in a single season. Cut stems are often used in floral arrangements.

Eucalyptus gunnii 'Silver Drop' is most commonly grown as an annual for its fragrant silver-green foliage. As an annual it grows feet tall and wide.