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Eucalyptus torquata

coral gum

Small evergreen tree or multi-stemmed shrub about 4-11m tall, endemic to southern Western Australia. Rough, flaking dark grey-brown to grey-black bark and smooth grey or coppery branches, with greyish-green, elliptical juvenile leaves 6cm long and lance-shaped dull grey-green adult leaves to 15cm long. Masses of orange, barrel-shaped buds are followed by clusters of coral-pink flowers from late winter to late spring, followed by pendulous cylindrical, woody fruits, ribbed at the base

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Bronze Orange Pink Grey Silver Green
Summer Grey Silver Bronze Orange Pink Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Bronze Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver Bronze Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Myrtaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Eucalyptus are evergreen trees or large shrubs, often fast-growing, some with attractive bark, most with aromatic foliage, and clusters of small, white, yellow or red flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Grow tender species outdoors in mild or frost-free counties only. See eucalyptus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. See Eucalyptus: pruning for more detailed advice

Pests

May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker

Diseases

May be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus

Get involved

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