Eucalyptus is an enormous and fascinating genus. It comprises over 700 species, and accounts for more than two-thirds of Australias vegetation. It is unfortunate that they are frequently regarded as not being reliably hardy outside of the subtropics, because it discourages people from planting them in cooler areas. There are many reasons to plant a eucalyptus--to begin with, they help to control aphids and other insects, most of them will grow rapidly, even in poor soil (12' per year is not out of the question), and most of them are very attractive--eucalyptus have a beauty all their own. And eucalyptus foliage, which shows incredible variety, is excellent for cut foliage in floral arrangements.

Unless it is to be grown as a pot plant for its entire life (more on that below), a eucalyptus seedling must be planted as soon as possible, before too many roots reach the edges and bottom of its pot. Eucalyptus ought to be planted when they are no more than 8 - 14 inches in height. (Eucalyptus pulverulenta ssp)

Publisher: Hirt's Gardens