Eucalyptus rostrata: Multi-Stem (3 Stem)

Description

Quick Facts
– Botanical Name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis (syn. Eucalyptus rostrata)
– Common Name: River Red Gum
– Plant Type: Evergreen tree, multi-stem form
– Form: Multi-trunk, 3 stems
– Mature Height: Large in time, 15m+ if left unchecked (can be kept much smaller with pruning)
– Mature Spread: Approx. 8-10m
– Flowering Period: Summer to autumn
– Flower Colour: Creamy-white, fluffy blossom in small clusters
– Foliage Colour: Narrow, lance-shaped grey-green leaves, aromatic when crushed
– Bark: Smooth and peeling, mottled in grey, cream and tan
– Habit: Open, graceful and spreading, with a light canopy
– Hardiness: Hardy in mild, sheltered gardens; may need winter protection when young or in cold areas
– Soil Requirements: Well-drained; tolerates a wide range, but avoid waterlogging
– Aspect: Full sun, sheltered from cold, drying winds
– Maintenance: Low to moderate

Description
Eucalyptus rostrata, also sold as Eucalyptus camaldulensis or River Red Gum, is a wonderfully graceful evergreen with a light, airy canopy. Its slender grey-green leaves hang and move in the breeze, and they release a lovely, fresh scent when brushed or crushed.

Grown as a multi-stem with three trunks, it has real sculptural presence from day one. The smooth, peeling bark reveals soft patches of grey, cream and tan as the stems mature, giving interest in every season. In summer and autumn, clusters of fluffy cream blossom appear and draw in bees and other pollinators.

Light, fragrant and full of character, this multi-stem Eucalyptus brings a touch of the exotic to the garden.

 Caragh Garden Notebook

Planting:
Plant in spring, once the risk of hard frost has passed, so the roots have a full season to settle before winter. Choose a sunny, open position with shelter from cold, drying winds, and well-drained soil. Plant at the same depth as the pot, firm in gently and water in thoroughly. Eucalyptus dislike root disturbance, so handle the rootball with care. Stake firmly for the first two years, as the roots take time to anchor the tree.

Watering:
Water regularly through the first two growing seasons, especially in dry spells. Once established it is very drought tolerant. In containers, water when the top of the compost feels dry and make sure the pot drains freely.

Feeding:
Feed lightly. A balanced general fertiliser in spring is plenty, as eucalyptus prefer lean soil and too much feeding encourages soft growth that is more vulnerable to frost.

Seasonal Care & Tidy-Up:
Very little pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in spring. To keep the tree to a manageable size, cut back to a framework in spring, as eucalyptus regrow vigorously. In colder gardens, protect young trees in their first winters with a thick mulch around the base and horticultural fleece over the canopy during hard frosts.

Pests & Problems:
Generally healthy. The main risks are cold winters, cold winds and waterlogged soil. Frost can scorch the foliage and, in a severe winter, cut a young tree back to the base, though established plants often regrow strongly. Good drainage and a sheltered spot make all the difference.

Design Notes:
A multi-stem Eucalyptus makes a striking specimen on a lawn, in a gravel garden or at the back of a sunny border. The peeling trunks are beautiful lit by low winter sun, and the soft grey-green canopy blends well with silver foliage, ornamental grasses and Mediterranean planting. It also looks superb in a large container on a sunny terrace, where it can be moved to shelter in winter.

Propagation:
Eucalyptus are usually grown from seed by specialist nurseries and do not root easily from cuttings. For a well-formed multi-stem tree, always source nursery-grown plants.