Rainbow Eucalyptus
Location
Trees in The Gardens
Eucalyptus deglupta
- Family name: Myrtaceae
- Origin: rainforests of New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippine Islands (Island of Mindanao)
- Height: 100’ – 125’ in continental U.S.
- Spread: Up to 6’
- Only Eucalyptus species with a natural range that extends into the northern hemisphere
- Best noted for its smooth orange-tinted trunk bark which peels in summer to reveal a unique, g multi-colored bark consisting of streaks of pale green, red, orange, gray and purple-brown, outside tropical settings, the bark is typically much less colorful
- Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where this tree will grow well in rich, medium to wet soils in full sun, should be protected from freezes, but they can withstand light frost conditions for short periods of time
- May grow 8 to 10 feet in a growing season, and even more with extremely good care.
- Acuminate, lance-shaped leaves (to 6″ long) are aromatic when crushed.
- Tiny white blooms at various times during the year depending upon location
- Ideal growing location is near freshwater ponds, lakes, or canals, mature trees can survive and grow in drier areas, but they become their most luxuriant when they have access to abundant moisture
- Largely pest-free