Stake firmly for the first two to three years — fast top growth can outpace root anchorage in strong wind.
Care
Shelter young plants from cold wind, which can scorch or kill soft new growth.
Water well while establishing; low water need once settled.
Well-drained soil of most types; dislikes permanent waterlogging.
Coppice (cut back hard, close to the base) every 1-3 years in spring to maintain compact size and rounded juvenile leaves — the defining maintenance choice for garden-grown plants of this genus.
No feeding. These grow extremely fast already, and a fed eucalyptus makes tall soft growth that is far more likely to be blown over or damaged by frost — the opposite of what you want on a wind-exposed British site.
From seed, sown in spring with warmth; germination is quick and growth is startlingly fast, so a seedling catches up with a bought plant within a couple of years. Cuttings are notoriously difficult and not worth attempting.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchCoppice hard for compact size and juvenile foliage, if size control is wanted. how ›
- AprilVigorous new growth flushes after coppicing.
- NovemberShelter or wrap young plants in a hard winter, especially for the first few years. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchCoppice hard for compact size and juvenile foliage, if size control is wanted. how ›
- AprilVigorous new growth flushes after coppicing.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryCoppice hard for compact size and juvenile foliage, if size control is wanted. how ›
- MarchVigorous new growth flushes after coppicing.
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryCoppice hard for compact size and juvenile foliage, if size control is wanted. how ›
- MarchVigorous new growth flushes after coppicing.
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Instability in young, fast-growing specimens, especially in strong wind.
What to do. Stake firmly for the first two to three years.
How to spot it. To soft young growth in a late or early cold snap.
What to do. Shelter young plants; established, hardier species tolerate more cold.
How to spot it. Sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves.
What to do. Tolerate low levels; encourage predators.
Questions
Eucalyptus: is it hardy?
H5: Hardy in most of the UK, but can struggle in the coldest inland or upland spots. It survives down to −15 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Can be kept compact in a large pot for a few years by regular coppicing, though it is ultimately a fast, thirsty tree better suited to open ground.
Eucalyptus: when do you prune it?
Coppice (cut back hard, close to the base) every 1-3 years in spring to maintain compact size and rounded juvenile leaves — the defining maintenance choice for garden-grown plants of this genus. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in March.
When do you feed it?
No feeding. These grow extremely fast already, and a fed eucalyptus makes tall soft growth that is far more likely to be blown over or damaged by frost — the opposite of what you want on a wind-exposed British site.