The genus Eucalyptus, consisting of various species and cultivars, has long been misunderstood and shunned in the gardening community due to the misdeeds of a few aggressive family members. Similar to how the bad behavior of a few dogs can tarnish the reputation of the entire species, the negative traits of certain eucalyptus trees have led to a general fear and avoidance of the entire genus. However, it is time to move past these misconceptions and appreciate the beauty and diversity that eucalyptus plants have to offer.
With over 800 species of eucalyptus, mostly native to Australia, there is a wide range of shapes, sizes, and temperaments to explore. Many of these species thrive in drier regions, making them suitable for gardens with significant heat and frost. I have personally grown several eucalyptus varieties in my Tucson garden, where they have flourished in lean and xeric conditions, proving to be both beautiful and well-suited for smaller garden settings.
Here are some recommended eucalyptus varieties that have captured my heart:
1. Strickland’s Gum (Eucalyptus stricklandii)
– Zones: 8-11
– Size: 15-30 feet tall and wide
– Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, average soil
– This species features lustrous, deep green leaves on pendulous branches, abundant large yellow flowers, and striking gray-brown bark that peels away to reveal smooth cinnamon-toned patches.
2. Lemon Flowered Gum (Eucalyptus woodwardii)
– Zones: 8-10
– Size: 25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
– Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, average soil
– Known for its silvery gray leaves, golden-yellow flowers that attract pollinators, and bark that sheds in gray-and-rust-colored ribbons.
3. Coral Gum (Eucalyptus torquata)
– Zones: 8-11
– Size: 25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide
– Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, average soil
– This eucalyptus grows quickly to ideal patio proportions, with deep green leaves and flowers in shades of pink, coral, or rose red that attract hummingbirds.
4. Gimlet Gum (Eucalyptus salubris)
– Zones: 9-11
– Size: 30 feet tall and wide
– Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, average soil
– Characterized by slender, mid-green leaves, fluted trunks with olive green to copper bark, and a rounded canopy of cloudlike foliage.
5. Little Ghost Gum (Eucalyptus victrix)
– Zones: 9-10
– Size: 20-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
– Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained to damp soil
– Features silver blue-green leaves on pendulous branches, ghostly white trunks that glow against dark backgrounds, and small white flowers.
6. Bookleaf Mallee (Eucalyptus kruseana)
– Zones: 9-11
– Size: 8-15 feet tall and wide
– Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, average soil
– This species stands out with its tightly stacked silver-dollar leaves, bottlebrush-style branches, and soft yellow flowers among blue-gray leaves.
By exploring and appreciating the diverse range of eucalyptus varieties available, we can move past the misconceptions and fears that have surrounded this genus. With the right selection and care, eucalyptus plants can bring beauty, diversity, and unique characteristics to any garden setting. It’s time to give eucalyptus the chance it deserves to shine and thrive in our gardens.
