The Eucalyptus plant is popular for its distinctive, invigorating scent and striking silvery-green to blue-tinged foliage. These trees and shrubs are known for their rapid growth rates. This guide explores the various avenues available to successfully purchase a thriving eucalyptus plant, whether seeking a small potted variety or a larger sapling.
Finding Local Retail Sources
Start the search for a eucalyptus plant at standard garden centers, which often stock popular varieties during the spring and summer planting seasons. These retailers allow buyers to immediately inspect the plant’s overall health, leaf color, and root condition before purchase. However, the selection at large centers may be limited to only a few common species.
Large chain hardware stores with garden departments also carry eucalyptus, typically coinciding with seasonal outdoor plant inventory. Availability can be unpredictable, so contact the store beforehand to confirm stock, especially if searching for a specific size or cultivar. These locations are generally best for finding younger, smaller plants suitable for container starting.
Independent nurseries are frequently the best source for a wider variety and regionally adapted knowledge. Staff at local operations can provide tailored advice on which species will thrive in the specific microclimate of the buyer’s area. They are more likely to stock less common cultivars suited for container growth or colder hardiness zones.
Specialized Online Purchasing Options
Specialized online purchasing options are necessary for those seeking rare species or living outside a suitable growing zone. Mail-order nurseries and e-commerce growers maintain extensive catalogs, providing access to dozens of eucalyptus cultivars unavailable locally. This method is useful for finding dwarf varieties or those grown specifically for ornamental foliage.
When purchasing live plants online, carefully check shipping restrictions, as some states have quarantine laws preventing the import of certain species. Prioritize sellers who specialize in horticultural shipping to ensure the plant is packaged securely and minimizes transit shock. Reading customer reviews is recommended to gauge the quality of the plants upon arrival and the seller’s reputation.
Choosing a reputable vendor is important, as shipping involves a period of stress for the plant. Specialized growers often offer saplings or plugs, which are smaller and more resilient during shipping than larger, established plants.
Choosing the Right Eucalyptus Species
Selecting the correct species is primary to the plant’s success, as eucalyptus species have diverse climatic needs. The primary consideration is the USDA Hardiness Zone, which dictates the minimum winter temperature the plant can tolerate. While many popular varieties are surprisingly hardy, others require consistently warm, frost-free conditions.
For gardeners in colder regions, species like Eucalyptus gunnii, often called Cider Gum, are a popular choice due to their greater tolerance for lower temperatures. This species can survive temperatures as low as 0°F to 10°F (-18°C to -12°C) once established, making it suitable for zones 7 and higher. This cold tolerance contributes to it being widely available outside of its native range.
Conversely, those desiring a smaller, manageable plant for container gardening might choose a dwarf variety such as Eucalyptus parvula or certain cultivars of Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum). These smaller forms maintain the characteristic juvenile foliage but limit the aggressive growth habit of their full-sized counterparts. Container planting allows the plant to be moved indoors during winter in colder zones.
The ultimate mature size must also be considered, distinguishing between species grown for juvenile foliage and those intended to become large shade trees. For instance, the Silver Dollar Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea) is often grown as a shrub to produce decorative foliage. In contrast, species like Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) quickly become towering trees, unsuitable for small residential spaces.
Initial Care and Acclimation
Upon bringing a eucalyptus plant home, an immediate inspection for pests or damage is necessary. Check the undersides of the leaves and the base of the stem for signs of common issues like spider mites or scale insects. This step prevents the introduction of infestations to established greenery in the existing garden.
Eucalyptus are fast growers and are often sold when their root systems are becoming root-bound. Immediate repotting into a container one to two sizes larger is recommended to prevent stunting and root circling. Use a fast-draining, gritty potting mix, as these plants are susceptible to root rot in heavy, water-retaining soils.
The first few weeks require a careful acclimation period, especially for plants shipped long distances or moved from a greenhouse. If the plant is intended for a sunny outdoor location, gradually increase its exposure to direct sunlight over a week to prevent leaf scorch. A sheltered spot with bright, indirect light is an ideal starting point for this transition.
Initial watering should be thorough, allowing water to drain completely from the bottom of the pot to establish good root contact with the new soil. Following this, allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between waterings, mimicking the drier conditions these plants prefer. Overwatering is a common cause of early failure for a newly acquired eucalyptus.