Keen gardeners know that evergreen foliage is the backbone of creating an outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round. Eucalyptus, varying in form from a short shrub to a tall, evergreen tree, is one of the most reliable types of foliage for ensuring that your garden remains functional and eye-catching, regardless of the Scottish weather.

Eucalyptus leaves are known for their array of beautiful colours and that distinctive menthol scent (eucalyptus oil comes from the adult leaves which secrete the unmistakable scent when crushed). The leaves can appear to be blue-green or silver, and the bark of the tree can come in many shades of grey, green, brown, and even pink. Many species shed their leaves and bark throughout the year, leaving behind a range of eye-catching hues which can make for a fantastic focal point.

Eucalyptus plants are fast growers. The best way to keep that growth in check, and keep the plant healthy, is to regularly prune and shape it, which of course, gives you beautiful foliage to pop in a vase for the house, or to add to a seasonal wreath.

Native to Australia

There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees and shrubs, mainly native to Australia – you will often find a hungry koala munching on its leaves! In fact, around 75% of forests in Australia are solely made up of eucalyptus which has evolved over the years to survive wildfires, proving it to be a hardy and reliable plant. 

Eucalyptus trees generally grow upwards of 18m (60ft) in their native Australian forests, but in UK gardens eucalyptus tends to be a shrub, growing between 1.8-3m (6-10ft) tall when planted in the ground. 

How to Care for your Eucalyptus in Winter

Eucalyptus is generally more suited to hotter climates, and will love a sunny position in your garden. It can become vulnerable to damage from very cold temperatures and periods of frost, but it can thrive year-round providing it is cared for correctly.

In the Ground

Eucalyptus should always be planted in a sheltered spots to protect it from drying winter winds. Lay a thick layer of mulch over the soil in the area the roots are to give it the plant roots added protection, leaving a gap of about 7.5cm (3in) around the trunk, to discourage rot.

In a Container

One of the best ways to ensure winter survival for eucalyptus is to plant it in a container which can be moved to a sheltered spot over winter, such as against a south or west-facing wall where it is a little warmer, or even brought into a greenhouse or indoors, when the temperatures drop below 10℃. For best results, position the plant next to a south-facing window.

Eucalyptus does not like a soggy bottom so use a potting mix that promotes effective drainage and if left outside, raise up the container on feet or bricks, to keep the drainage holes clear.

Eucalyptus does not require much watering during winter due to its resiliency so stick to watering once every 10-14 days to avoid over-watering, and give no additional feeding from October to April.

Things To Do with Eucalyptus

Make a Eucalyptus Rub

Try using the leaves to make a eucalyptus rub, perfect to soothe achy joints and clear a stuffy nose. Pop a large handful of freshly washed leaves into a slow cooker with a cup of extra virgin oil and leave to simmer for 6 hours. Decant the mixture to a clean jar or container and store in a cool, dry place. Be sure not to ingest the mixture, and make sure that the slow cooker is cleaned thoroughly after use.

Hang Eucalyptus in the Shower

You can also reap the benefits of eucalyptus by hanging it in the shower. Shower steam helps release the essential oils of the eucalyptus plant into the air, allowing you to breathe them in which can temporarily aid in clearing nasal congestion and bronchial infections.

Simply tie the stems together with a rubber band or twine and hang them over the back of the shower head. Try not to let the leaves get wet, which can cause them to fall.

N.B. Beware that eucalyptus can be toxic to pets, so ensure that your plant is out of reach from your fur babies when you bring it indoors.