Product description
The lovely Alpine Snow Gum will get your creative spirit going. It can be left to grow to heights of around 5m, it can be hard pruned to offer the shape of a young plant and can be coppiced or pollarded to provide a multi-stemmed appearance. Choose what suits you best or mix and match to create a stunning combination in your garden.
This evergreen tree is known for its attractive peeling bark that has a lovely creamy and silver-green colour. The leaves have a slender elliptical shape with a waxy coating in shades of green-blue and grey-green. In late spring and summer, small creamy-white flowers appear. The tree gives off a fragrant scent in hot conditions.
Alpine Snow Gum will grow in most soil types but does prefer moist, well-drained and fertile soil. It will not do well in water-logged areas. It is frost hardy down to a low -15 °C and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
The Eucalyptus was brought to Europe on James Cook’s 1770 voyage. The French botanist, Charles-Louis L’Héritier, named the genus after two Greek words. The first was ‘eu’ meaning ‘well’ and the second was ‘calyptos’ meaning ‘covered’. They referred to the natural cap of fused petals which protects the flower bud until it opens.
This stunning architectural tree is ideal for both large and small gardens and holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Eucalyptus annually in late winter or early spring to encourage a strong structure and manage its size. Remove any dead or damaged branches and consider coppicing young trees to maintain a bushy habit. If growing Eucalyptus for its decorative foliage, regular pruning will promote fresh, vibrant growth. Eucalyptus is a fast-growing and resilient tree, making it a striking addition to gardens with enough space.
How to Water
Water Eucalyptus deeply after planting to help establish its roots. During the first year, water regularly, particularly during dry periods, to support healthy growth. Once established, Eucalyptus trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering, but they may benefit from supplemental water during prolonged heatwaves. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as Eucalyptus prefers well-drained conditions. For best results, water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation.
How to Plant
To plant Eucalyptus, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, preferably slightly acidic or neutral. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball, and soak the root ball in water before planting. Place the tree in the hole so that the root collar sits at soil level, then backfill with soil, firming it gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch is kept clear of the trunk.