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Eucalyptus polyanthemos
Silver Dollar Gum, Red Box
| A familiar sight in California and Arizona, rapid-growing, long-lived eucalyptuses are a varied lot. Also called gum trees, they range from shrubby, vinelike plants to huge trees, with different leaf and flower shapes on each. In general, though, leaves are crisp, leathery and usually aromatic. The flowers are fluffy, and the flat-topped seed capsules are woody. Some varieties have white or pink flowers that are a source of honey. Some tolerate extreme heat and cold, others are fairly drought-tolerant. Buy the smallest plant you can find so that it will not be root bound. Chlorosis affects some species in alkaline soil. In California, the eucalyptus longhorn beetle is a deadly pest. |
Prune young trees heavily in spring to promote growth of the rounded, gray-green leaves used in dried arrangements. Stake young trees. Mature trees have gray-green foliage and shedding gray bark. Clusters of creamy white flowers appear in winter. Will not tolerate wet soils or strong winds.
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Attributes - Eucalyptus polyanthemos
Plant Type: Tree
Bloom Season: Mid Spring through Mid Winter
Flower Color: White
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 30 ft. to 50 ft.
Width: 40 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 8, 9, 10
Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil, Alkaline Soil. Low Maintenance. Susceptible to Beetles.
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Related Plants
Eucalyptus caesia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus erythrocorys, Eucalyptus ficifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus grossa, Eucalyptus macrocarpa, Eucalyptus nicholii, Eucalyptus perriniana, Eucalyptus x rhodantha, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus sideroxyion
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