Care sheet: Eucalyptus

This tree being renowned for its purifying virtues, adopting a eucalyptus is to show wisdom by surrounding yourself with health benefits. With silver-grey or sometimes bluish-green foliage, it is also chosen for its decorative aspect.

At Pousse you will find it under the sweet name of Mireille la Rayonnante! Well planted in a terracotta pot, in black fiber or in a white Ravel cache-pot.

Maintenance sheet

It is an outdoor plant so it will be very comfortable on your balcony or in your garden. Properly installed in the middle of your lawn, showcasing this hardy evergreen will take on its full meaning.

Exposure

A Eucalyptus must have sun, combined with a mild temperature, while being protected from strong winds.

watering

Water it once every two weeks (about 1L), between each operation the soil must be dried on the surface. Stop watering in winter because the eucalyptus appreciates rather dry, light, healthy and well-drained soils.

Cultivation errors

Its vulnerability is intense frost too, even though some varieties can withstand temperatures of -20°C, it is better not to play with fire. As a last resort prune it at ground level to get it going again!

Diseases and pests:

Parasitic lead is one of its main enemies. It is a fungus that appears especially in the fall, when the climate is frosty. Also beware of a cold and wet spring, especially when a rainy summer follows.

• Consequences: You will know that your eucalyptus is attacked if its foliage takes on a milky tint or presents a leaden appearance. Rust-colored streaks appear on the midrib, leaves may drop if the tree is touched.
• Solution: Take care of them from July-August, by pruning the diseased wood. Burn affected wood and prune very short if necessary. To avoid any recurrence, fertilize with fertilizer containing iron as soon as the disease appears.

Psyllids are "biting-sucking" insects, which usually only cause minor damage. Chemical action can be taken in winter, in the event of massive infestation, as a preventive measure before flowering.

Planting a eucalyptus :

Installation in the garden: During their first three years, the youngest among them must absolutely be tutored. Planting can be done all year round, when it is a frost-free period, nevertheless prefer spring mildness to ensure good growth.

1. Reserve a sunny spot for it, but not too much, absolutely sheltered from strong gusts of wind. The species that tolerate winter the least should be protected with a very thick mulch to survive the bad season.

2. The first year after planting, ensure good watering because its growth can be relatively rapid. If the elements allow it, rainwater should be more than enough for it thereafter.

3. Feel free to mix potting soil with garden soil to get it off to a good start. In order to prevent weeds from invading it, mulching is also very useful here.

Good to know

Eucalyptus trees are native to the Australian continent, where their variety dominates 95% of the forests. They are part of the Myrtaceae family and can reach 10 meters in height from their sixth year.

Note : eucalyptus leaves are used in infusion, but also to flavor certain sweets. Burned, in the form of essential oils or inhaled, they are reputed to fight against respiratory ailments.

POUSSE, the plant architecture agency that reconnects your spaces in Lyon, Paris and Bordeaux to nature.
Contact us: bonjour@pousse.fr