Eucalyptus glaucescens (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 7a – 11
Family: Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus glaucescens is a fast growing evergreen tree with a broadly conical habit and open crown. As with most Eucalyptus trees it produces both juvenile and mature forms of its leaves which are fragrant when crushed. The juvenile leaves are silver/ gray with pink tips in spring and are rounded around the stem. The adult leaves are blue/ green, lanceolate with entire margins, up to 12cm long and 2cm broad. Its silver bark is smooth and peels, revealing orange and gray new bark. Its cream fragrant flowers are umbles and appear in clusters of three.
Eucalyptus glaucescens Leaf (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Eucalyptus glaucescens, commonly known as the Tingiringi Gum, is native to south east Australia.
The etymological root of the binomial name Eucalyptus is derived from the Greek eu meaning ‘good‘ and kalyptos meaning ’covered’ referring to the calyx which forms a lid over the flowers when in bud. Glaucescens is derived from the Latin glaucus meaning ‘grey/ green’ and the epithet -escens meaning ‘-ish’.
The landscape architect may find Eucalyptus glaucescens useful. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Eucalyptus glaucescens is attractive to pollinating insects.
Eucalyptus glaucescens Bark (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Eucalyptus glaucescens prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil, although it will tolerate alkali soils. This tree will tolerate poorly drained soils.
Eucalyptus glaucescens requires little maintenance. This tree may be coppiced, encouraging the growth of juvenile leaves.
