Eucalyptus – Classic (gallon pot)

Description

Also called Blue Gum – This is the classic “gum” tree of Australia and Koala Bears, and the main source of eucalyptus oil. It is one of the tallest trees in the world, growing up to 300ft – I grow it in my greenhouse though and keep it trimmed to not grow through the roof!

It is actually easy to maintain at a manageable size indoors, and more it is pruned, the more leaves it produces for distilling essential oil. The oil distilled from the leaves is a powerful medicinal – antiseptic, especially for the respiratory tract, killing pathogenic bacteria and reducing mucus secretion and congestion.

Cough drops and sore throat lozenges made with eucalyptus oil are popular and very effective. When plants are grown indoors oil vapours released by the leaves help to deodorize the air.

I grow a couple different eucalyptus in my greenhouse – they need warmth (zone 9) and sun and plenty of water although the soil must be well-drained. But they do grow well in pots and can be cut back to keep them from overgrowing the space. If you cut them close to the bottom, they coppice and get lots of scented leaves – I use them for all sorts of decorations throughout the house. And they produce enough foliage to distill essential oil as well. Eucalyptus grows fast – around 3 feet per season… so these won’t disappoint! If they dry out, the top will die back and the plant will grow up from the bottom.