Evergreen Tree – Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus 

 Botanical name: eucalyptus gunnii 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: about 30-80 ft in height with a spread of 20-40 ft 

Bloom time:  year-round 

Hardy zone:  zones 8-11 

Flower color: white

Foliage color:  green, gray, blue 

Growth rate:  can grow 5-6 ft per year for the first 10 years 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the fall and winter months 

Landscape use:  privacy, accent plant, herbal garden, cut foliage, container plant

Light needs:  6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: disease resistant, pest resistant, fragrant foliage 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged 

Fertilizing instructions :   feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring before new growth begins to emerge

Best time to plant:  spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: rosemary, lavender, sage 

Toxicity level: toxic for pets if ingested, but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: potentially invasive in South Carolina climates