Eucalyptus alba
white gum
Fast-growing, evergreen tree, about 15m tall, native to the tropical northern Australia, with smooth powder-white bark that becomes pale salmon pink when outer bark layers are shed, aromatic mid to dark green lance-shaped leaves, and 7 creamy-white flowers in clusters from late winter to spring, followed by rounded to cone-shaped woody fruits
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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 neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Grow tender species outdoors in mild or frost-free counties only or in a greenhouse/conservatory. 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
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. Will need restrictive pruning under glass. See Eucalyptus: pruning
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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