Image – Flickr / Harry Rose
If you are looking for a very fast growing tree we would recommend the eucalyptusa very decorative evergreen plant thanks to which you can have a corner of shade in much less than you imagine.
It is, by far, one of the plants that takes less time to reach a considerable height, since if the conditions are favorable in just one year it can grow an astonishing height of 1 meter. However, it is highly advisable to know it well.
Origin and characteristics of eucalyptus
The gender Eucalyptus It is made up of about 700 species, most of them originating in Australia. They usually grow to a height of 60 meters (rarely 150 meters), with a straight trunk which, in some cases, is very decorative, like that of the rainbow eucalyptus. The adult leaves are elongated, bright bluish-green in color, and depending on the species, can provide a pleasant shade.
They are plants that they need a lot of space to be able to grow without causing problemssince its roots are very invasive. In addition, its water needs are quite high; Not surprisingly, it is common for them to grow near (fresh) water courses or in areas where it rains with some frequency. For this reason, it should not be grown in small gardens, nor in those places where there is little rain.
What uses is it given?
Eucalyptus trees have several uses:
Ornamental
There are many species with a high ornamental value. I have mentioned the rainbow eucalyptus, but there are others, such as the Eucalyptus gunnii which has bluish-green leaves; or the Eucalyptus cinerea that develops rounded leaves of glaucous color.
Grown as single specimens or in rows like tall hedges, they look great if the terrain is wide and the climatic conditions are adequate.
Medicinal
The essential oil of leaves has decongestant properties and also helps you breathe better. It is an ingredient that is used to make candies, pills, herbal teas, … even syrups.
Wood
Wood is widely used to build all kinds of furniture: tables, chairs, sofas, …
Reforestation
And since most species can withstand mild frosts down to -3ºC, In Spain it has been and is still today one of the trees most used for reforestationwhich the environmentalists have not liked at all. Why?
It is known that the more variety of plant species a forest has, the greater the biodiversity. By planting only eucalyptus, you run the risk of having an empty forest, without life. Besides that, there are several studies like the one carried out by FAO that reveal that a soil that has fed these trees remains poor, without nutrients.
Therefore, It is not a tree that is recommended to have in the gardens Unless they are wide, as their roots are also very invasive and could break pipes and other constructions. So, if you intend to have a specimen, it is important that you plant it at a minimum distance of 10 meters from everything that could break and / or destabilize (pipes, floors, walls).
Only then could you enjoy having a eucalyptus in the garden. So, if you are one of the lucky ones who can and wants to have one, then we will tell you how to take care of it.
What care does the eucalyptus tree need?
Having a eucalyptus can be a wonderful … or a terrible experience. But to be the first, we recommend that you keep the following in mind:
Location
They are trees that, as long as the climate is mild or warm all year round, It must be kept outside, in full sun. Remember that if you have it on the ground, it must be at a minimum distance of 10 meters.
Earth
- the garden: it needs a soil rich in organic matter in order to grow.
- Flower pot: It is not a tree to have in a pot for many years, but during its youth it will beautify any terrace or patio. So, do not hesitate to fill the container with quality universal substrate (for sale here!).
Irrigation
Irrigation it must be frequentespecially if the weather is dry and very hot. In general, it will be watered an average of 3-4 times a week during the warmest season of the year, and an average of 2 times a week the rest.
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In addition to large amounts of water, It needs quite a bit of ‘food’. Taking this into account, from the beginning of spring to the end of summer, worm humus should be provided (for sale here!), guano, herbivorous animal manure, or other types of organic fertilizers frequently, at least once every 10 to 15 days.
If you have it in a pot, use liquid fertilizers following the instructions specified on the container.
Multiplication
Eucalyptus multiply by seeds in spring. For this, they have to be sown, for example, in forest seedling trays filled with universal substrate, and then placed outside, in semi-shade.
Keeping the substrate moist, they will germinate throughout the season.
Rusticity
It depends on the species. The western eucalyptus and Eucalyptus cinerea for example they resist up to -7ºC, but the Eucalyptus can’t stand the cold.
We hope it has been useful to you 🙂.
