Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus curtisii, also known as the Plunkett Mallee, is a species naturally restricted to a small area about 60 km south of Brisbane, near Plunkett (who knew? :) ). In the wild, it forms a mallee-like shrub or small tree characterised by a swollen woody base at ground level that produces multiple stems. Flowering is a highlight, with the species regarded as one of the most attractive cream-flowering eucalypts, producing showy clusters of blossoms up to 2 cm across. The blossoms are followed by bell-shaped fruits approximately 7–8 mm in diameter, presented in large clusters. The smooth silvery-grey bark peels away in long ribbons, providing year-round interest. Compact in size and responsive to pruning, it suits even the smallest gardens, where heavy pruning will enhance the mallee form.

Soil: Sandy soils with impeded drainage, shallow stony soils, clay loams, and stony clays with a surface layer of loose stones.
Conditions: Highly adaptable, it tolerates Canberra frosts yet thrives equally well in north Queensland.
Size: Height 2-7m x width 2-5m

A beautiful, tall-growing eucalyptus, Corymbia citriodora displays a distinctive, often powdery white to grey-coloured bark which curls and flakes off in spring. The leaves are green, long and slender with an amazing, strong lemon fragrance when crushed. In summer and autumn, feathery white flowers appear, making it a good source of food for honey bees. The beautiful, strong scent is a distinguishing attribute, with the essential oils produced from this variety often being used in fragrances as well as insect repellents. Corymbia citriodora is a feature tree that needs significant space - ideal for parks, gardens and wide streetscapes. 

Soil: Can tolerate most soil types
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, coastal and frost tolerant
Size: Height 20m x width 8m

Eucalyptus campaspe, or Silver Gimlet, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Western Australia. It boasts smooth eye-catching bark with colours ranging from copper-brown to silver to dark red-brown! Adding to its appeal, creamy white flowers appear over the summer months. It has silver-white flower buds - possibly where it gets its common name from - and produces gum nuts. Bird attracting, this eucalyptus is suitable for landscaping, shade, wind breaks and revegetation work.

Soil: Adaptable to most soils. Alkaline soils from sands to heavy clays and stony hillsides.
Conditions: Full sun. Extremely hardy and drought tough as well as frost and salt tolerant.
Size: Height 3-10m x width 3-6m

Eucalyptus radiata - Narrow-Leafed Peppermint Gum - is a medium-sized tree that forms a dense canopy of dark green leaves. The leaves have a beautiful peppermint scent when crushed, and provide contrast against the small creamy white flowers that bloom from October to January. Adding to its appeal is the colourful grey/brown fibrous bark. This form of eucalypt is one of the varieties used in essential oil production and is also known as a source of food for the koala.

Soil: Well-drained soils
Conditions: Full sun. High frost and drought tolerance
Size: Height 15m x on. It has a high frost and drought tolerance. width 8m.

Eucalyptus cosmophylla is a species of small tree, or mallee, that is endemic to South Australia. Commonly called the Cup Gum, it is a rounded, shrub-like tree spreading as wide as it is high. The Cup Gum has smooth bark and lance-shaped adult leaves and displays white flower buds arranged in groups of three and cup-shaped, cylindrical fruit. Eucalypts require very little attention once established. Although the plant will continue to grow without fertiliser it will produce more leaves and flowers if fed. It is important to remember that all eucalyptus are sensitive to high levels of phosphorus so make sure the fertiliser you choose is for Natives.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types
Conditions: Full sun. Best suited to cool temperate climates.
Size: Height 6m x width 6m

The Eucalyptus cephalocarpa, or Mealy Stringy Bark, is a medium gum native to southeast Australia. The tree has beautiful long slightly silver foliage and a wonderfully dense canopy. Creamy white blossoms appear in autumn providing food for bees, followed by decorative brown gumnuts. This eucalyptus is a very adaptable and hardy tree perfect for screening and shade.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils.
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade.Drought, coastal and frost tolerant once established.
Size:Height 8-20m x width 5-15m