A eucalyptus can grow up to five meters in height. With such a large tree, it is impossible to bring it indoors in winter to protect the plant from frost. Therefore, when buying a eucalyptus, you should pay close attention to its properties and preferably choose a hardy variety. On this page you can find out which varieties meet these requirements and whether additional winter protection is still necessary.
Eucalyptus trees survive warm winters
Is my eucalyptus hardy?
The eucalyptus originally comes from warm Australia and Tasmania. For this reason, a location in full sun is essential given the local climatic conditions. Frost protection is essential in winter. Only one variety, the Eucalyptus gunii (see below), can withstand temperatures down to -20°C. If you are unsure whether your eucalyptus is a hardy tree, the flowers serve as a helpful guide. Depending on the variety, the eucalyptus flowers either
- creamy white
- yellow
- or red
Red and yellow flowering eucalyptus species are not frost resistant under any circumstances.
Eucalyptus gunii
Not only that this variety is the only existing hardy eucalyptus species. The eucalyptus Azura also impresses with an intense, blue foliage colour. In addition, it is considered to be particularly easy to care for, as it only grows 40 cm per year, which is very low.
Overwinter eucalyptus
But there are also limitations with Eucalyptus Azura. Only trees that are outdoors are absolutely winter-proof. For potted plants, you should also cover the roots with a protective layer of mulch. For overwintering a eucalyptus you are on the safe side with the following tips:
- Overwinter the eucalyptus indoors.
- Temperatures of 5°C are recommended.
- The location should be sunny.
- Trim the tips of the branches before the tree moves into its winter quarters.
- Before the end of the dormant period, a strong pruning takes place.
- Only put the eucalyptus outside again after the night frosts have subsided.
Beware of false information
Surprisingly, you may find eucalypts in the trade that are declared as conditionally winter-hardy. Better not to take this promise for granted. The information often only refers to a few degrees below freezing. Unfortunately, these species are not as robust as the eucalyptus gunii.