Eucalyptus neglecta

RHS Plant Profile
Omeo gum
Omeo gum John Fielding
Trees

A fast-growing, evergreen tree when young, although growth slows down as the tree ages. It reaches a mature height of around 10m (33ft) The smooth bark can vary in colour from yellow-green to greyish-brown. Juvenile leaves are very large, rounded, and green tinged with purple. The adult leaves are broady lance-shaped and mid green. Foliage and young stems are highly aromatic when crushed. Flowers are white and appear in summer, in large clusters of up to fifteen

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Plant Range
Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun, but can also tolerate wetter soils and unusually partial shade. Suitable for mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils. Able to withstand cold temperatures when mature but shelter from cold, drying winds especially when young. See eucalyptus cultivation

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or, for best juvenile foliage, pruning group 7 For more information 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