River red gum
Eucalyptus camaldulensis · Myrtaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around river red gum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, lanceolate, grey-green, highly aromatic
- Flowering
- Spring to summer, small white or cream flowers in clusters
- Adult size
- 15 to 25 m in height, upright and slender form
- Growth
- Very fast, gaining 1 to 1.5 m per year
- Hardiness
- Moderate, -5 to -8 °C depending on climate and acclimatization
- Origin
- Australia (Darling River and coastal regions)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor and chalky soils
Care
Sunlight
Plant your Camalduli eucalyptus in full sun, ideally facing south. It tolerates intense heat and windy exposures well. This tree adapts to Mediterranean and coastal regions. Avoid prolonged shaded areas that slow its growth.
Watering
Water generously during planting and the first season to encourage root establishment. Once established (after 2-3 years), eucalyptus is very drought-resistant and only needs occasional watering during dry periods. Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent root suffocation.
Soil
This eucalyptus thrives in well-drained, light soil. It tolerates poor, stony or chalky soils excellently, unlike many plants. Adding organic matter at planting time is sufficient; avoid overly rich composts that promote delicate growth.
Pruning
No pruning is necessary; the tree naturally forms a slender shape. Simply remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Young specimens can be lightly cut back to strengthen basal branching.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not essential thanks to this tree's adaptation to poor soils. A light balanced fertilizer application in spring can support a young planting, but avoid overdosing to prevent weak growth.
Diseases and pests
Eucalyptus is not very susceptible to diseases in Mediterranean climates. Problems mainly occur in excessively humid conditions (root rot). In humid climates, check drainage and limit watering. Scale insects may occasionally colonize young leaves; a water spray or natural insecticide is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, also called 'red gum' in Australia, traditionally borders the Darling River where its deep roots stabilize the banks. Planted extensively throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa in the 19th century for draining marshy lands, it transformed the landscape and provided firewood. Its leaves, extremely aromatic, release a characteristic eucalyptus scent that is very soothing.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue gumEucalyptus globulus
- MyrtleMyrtus communis
- MānukaLeptospermum scoparium
- Strawberry guavaPsidium cattleianum
- Snow gumEucalyptus pauciflora
- Woolly TeatreeLeptospermum lanigerum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.