Eucalyptus botryoides
southern mahogany
Evergreen tree endemic to coastal SE Australia, about 40m tall, shorter in exposed situations, with rough, furrowed, greyish-brown or reddish-brown bark over trunk and larger branches, the smaller branches are smooth and pale grey. Juvenile leaves to 11cm long and adult leaves, to 16cm long, are dark green, paler beneath. White flowers in umbels, midsummer to autumn are followed by cylindrical woody fruits
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | White | Green | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver | White | Green | |
| Winter | Grey Silver | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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 fertile, 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
- Coastal
- 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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