What’s better than a shrub that has a fragrance! While you’re unlikely to get flowers on your Eucalyptus unless you let it grow into a much larger tree, they’re not necessary on this occasion because the foliage does all the work. The leaves of Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ have a spicy aromatic, camphor-like scent, with the oils in the leaves released in the heat or when crushed.
The silvery-grey-green foliage is round like coins when the tree is young, but changes shape and becomes much longer and more slender as it matures. Both shapes are equally attractive but to keep the distinctive penny-shaped leaves give Cass a regular prune. This will also help to maintain her bushy shape. The bonus of pruning is that Cass’ leaves look great in flower arrangements, complimenting pink and white flowers particularly, so don’t let them go to waste.
Cass is the perfect plant for a contemporary aesthetic, whether planted up in the ground or tastefully displayed in a pot. You can grow it on its own as a statement piece, or even better, in a mixed planter. It works well as a screening plant to create a bit of privacy, and in warmer parts of the country, will make an excellent hedge.
Given their hot Tasmanian origins, Eucalyptus gunnii is pretty well adapted to the British climate, although in colder parts of the country they’re at risk if temperatures drop below -15 degrees celsius. If yours is in a pot you might need to bring it under cover or wrap it up in horticultural fleece until it warms up in spring. As much or more than full sun and warmer temperatures, its shelter from cold wind that is most important for your tree.
Given that Cass is quite a hungry, relatively fast growing tree, we recommend repotting her into a large decorative pot rather than leaving her in her nursery pot. Either way, you’ll need to keep an eye on watering, feeding and repotting into fresh compost every couple of years, to top up those nutrients and give her more space to grow.
Did you know?
Eucalyptus get their common name ‘Gum tree’, or in this case ‘Cider Gum’ because many of them release a sticky gum-like substance called kino from their bark if wounded. This sticky resin has been used as a traditional medicine by Indigenous Australians for centuries.
Easy care
Evergreen
Scented
