Eucalyptus - the popular tree associated with lovable koala bears or aromatic sweets can already be a decoration for your terrace or home? Although eucalyptus trees are found in the wild in warm climates, they do very well in Polish climatic conditions as potted plants. Among the many species of eucalyptus, you will also find some that can withstand even sub-zero temperatures. Check out the range of eucalyptus in our shop and choose a specimen to add to your collection.

Eucalyptus - an exotic plant

Eucalyptus is an exotic tree or shrub classified in the myrtle family. It is native to Australia, New Guinea and south-eastern Indonesia. Eucalyptus also fills the tropical and subtropical flora of Africa, South America and Asia. Eucalyptus owes its popularity to koalas - arboreal marsupials that inhabit the eastern part of Australia, whose home is the high crowns of eucalyptus trees and whose most important food is their leaves, rich in, among other things, numerous aromatic substances. The wide-ranging properties of eucalyptus are not only appreciated by koalas. The eucalyptus tree is now a much sought-after plant for home use, as well as a producer of essential oils that are ingredients in pharmaceuticals and many cosmetics. The bark, eucalyptus leaves and flowers are a remarkable ornamental and a source of ingredients with a wide range of uses.

Characteristics of eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is an evergreen plant and one of the fastest growing and largest trees in the world. In the wild, some species can reach heights of up to 100 metres. The situation is different for eucalyptus grown in a pot - they do not grow taller than 1.5 metres and have a shrubby habit. Eucalyptus are particularly valued as pot plants because of their ornamental foliage. On the stems of young specimens, the leaves are arranged opposite each other, heart-shaped and blue-green in colour. Mature eucalyptus leaves are always green, elongated, thin, lanceolate, have short petioles and position themselves with their edges towards the sun. They have small depressions where characteristically fragrant essential oils are produced. Eucalyptus trees can form slender or more powerful trunks, which in many species are covered with periodically peeling bark. The cream-coloured patches that are exposed during peeling look particularly striking against the grey-brown bark, and are thus one of the plant's outstanding aesthetic qualities. Eucalyptus trees very rarely flower under domestic conditions. In the wild, they develop beautiful, colourful, feathery flowers and their fruit is a woody, pitcher-shaped seed-bag.

The most popular species of eucalyptus

There are many varieties of eucalyptus to be found around the world. It is estimated that the name eucalyptus covers as many as 600 plant species. Some of the best known include:

• Eucalyptus gunni - also known as blue eucalyptus or mountain eucalyptus. It owes its nickname 'blue' to its blue-grey leaves. It is a slender tree with a spreading crown and lanceolate leaves, but can also be grown as a shrub. In the wild it grows up to 30 m tall, in our climate it grows to 2-3 m. The stems of blue eucalyptus produce a sap with a taste reminiscent of maple syrup.

• Eucalyptus globulus - a tree of great utilitarian importance, especially for medicine. It produces eucalyptus oil - a medicinal ingredient in many medicines.

• Eucalyptus deglupta - distinguished by its multicoloured bark. It is a variety that is extremely easy to grow and is mainly used for making paper.

• Eucalyptus pauciflora - a slender, upright tree with white bark and red stems.

Eucalyptus - characteristics and uses

Eucalyptus is a plant with a number of uses. The best known is eucalyptus oil, which is particularly appreciated in therapeutics, cosmetology and pharmacy. It is a rich source of polyphenols and essential oils. The extracts used in medicine and cosmetic preparations come mainly from the leaves, bark and flowers of eucalyptus. They are used in the production of ointments and syrups with expectorant, anti-inflammatory and airway-impregnating effects. The oil from the leaves of the tree is also used to produce the well-known eucalyptus candy. The compounds contained in eucalyptus leaves have the ability to constrict mucous membranes, relieve headaches and sore throats and make breathing easier. This is why eucalyptus-based preparations are often helpful during colds, sinusitis and bronchial complaints, effectively dilating them and reducing the amount of secretions in them. Eucalyptus oil is also useful when preparing inhalations. Eucalyptus honey made from the flowers also has health-promoting properties.

Where else is eucalyptus used? Among other things, eucalyptus extracts are added by manufacturers to toothpastes and mouthwashes, enhancing their antibacterial action and also refreshing and protecting the gums. In cosmetics, eucalyptus is used, among other things, in anti-inflammatory preparations for irritated skin (psoriasis, eczema), with herpes and even with dandruff. Eucalyptus can also be found in anti-ageing products - it prevents skin ageing, and also has a beneficial effect on dry skin, helping to keep it properly moisturised. Eucalyptus contains 100% natural ingredients that are safe for the body. So you can use eucalyptus oil to prepare a relaxing, restful and calming bath or tincture.

The tree of some eucalyptus species is also successfully used in construction, boatbuilding, painting and the furniture industry. However, it is an expensive raw material.

Eucalyptus guuni and blue eucalyptus - how to grow?

Eucalyptus grows under natural conditions in tropical climates. Both eucalyptus in a pot and eucalyptus in the ground, due to its origin, therefore require certain specific requirements for proper cultivation. These mainly boil down to providing the plant with the right site and the required soil, as well as certain maintenance procedures to enable the eucalyptus to grow healthily. To grow properly at home, eucalyptus needs a warm and very bright site and room temperature. Wondering about the question: eucalyptus blue overwintering? We explain. Blue eucalyptus cuttings can also be successfully grown in the ground or in pots on the terrace and balcony. The eucalyptus tree is particularly sensitive to cold winds. Young eucalyptus trees grown outdoors are therefore better overwintered in a cool room in a pot. Older eucalyptus specimens with woody stems can withstand frost better; those grown in the ground should be covered for the winter. Most eucalyptus species prefer a permeable and light soil. Due to its sensitive rooting to excess wet substrate, be sure to use drainage when planting eucalyptus. A permeable substrate can be achieved by using specialised soil additives such as expanded clay. Eucalyptus has modest water requirements. It should be watered regularly but moderately. Better growth will be ensured for eucalyptus by using a suitable fertiliser. A treatment recommended for eucalyptus is pruning, which should be done once a year, preferably in spring.