Nature has generated very resistant plants, so much so that we might think that they are even 'territorial' because where they grow nothing else can germinate. One of those trees is the eucalyptus. It is, if I may say so, the 'bamboo' of the trees.
Its growth is so rapid, that it only takes a few years to reach immense heights. Due to these characteristics, added to others that we will see, Is it possible to have a eucalyptus in the garden?
What is a eucalyptus?
eucalyptus gunni
To answer this question, it is important to know what a eucalyptus is, what its origin is and why it has the characteristics that it has. Thus, our protagonist is an evergreen tree of the Myrtaceae family. The botanical genus, Eucalyptus, comprises around 700 species, the majority originating from the Australian continent. Its trunk, which can reach 60 meters, is straight. The leaves of an adult specimen are elongated bluish-green, but when young they are more oval.
In general, these are cold-sensitive plants, but there are some that tolerate frost without problem such as Eucalyptus paciflora which can be planted in areas where the mercury in the thermometer drops to -20ºC. Other interesting species are the eucalyptus gunni and Eucalyptus coccifera. Unfortunately, the Eucalyptus deglupta, also called 'rainbow eucalyptus', it is very sensitive to cold.
Why is it not usually planted in gardens?
Eucalyptus is a plant allelopathic. Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon that occurs when an organism produces one or more biochemical compounds that may or may not benefit plants. Two types are differentiated: positive allelopathy, which appears when plants benefit, and negative allelopathy when it prevents them from growing ... as is the case with eucalyptus.
Through their leaves and roots they emit a gas that is toxic to the vast majority of plant beings, so whenever you want to have one it is essential to plant it at a safe distance (about 4m minimum) from the rest of the plants. But also absorbs many nutrients from the soil, so the subscriber is important to maintain the fertility of the land.
How to have a eucalyptus in the garden
Eucalyptus deglupta, perfect for tropical and subtropical gardens.
If you still want to have one in the garden, you should always keep the following in mind: Salt, moisture, subscriber throughout the growing season (preferably using natural fertilizers) and plant it away from other plants. A eucalyptus in the garden is a real wonder, but it needs to be able to have a lot of space to be able to grow without causing problems for other plant beings.
For the rest, I recommend that you also place it away from pipes, swimming pools, or buildings. Now, one way to control the development of its roots is to make a very deep hole - at least 1m x 1m - and put around an anti-rhizome mesh, which is normally used to control bamboos. Thus, its roots will grow downward, rather than sideways.
Do you like eucalyptus?