Eucalyptus calophylla
red gum
Evergreen tree endemic to south west Western Australia, to 40m tall or more, with brown to grey-brown rough bark that exudes a rust-coloured sap. Broadly lance-shaped juvenile leaves are 12cm long, and adult leaves to 15cm long, both glossy green. Clusters of bristly cream flowers towards the end of summer are followed by large woody urn-shaped fruits 5cm long, which are an important food source for native birds
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 | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors 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
- 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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