HOW TO GROW THE RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS - Eucalyptus deglupta

How to grow the Rainbow eucalyptus - Eucalyptus deglupta - Paxson Woelber CC BY-SA 4.0

The Rainbow eucalyptus - Eucalyptus deglupta is a fast-growing, broadleaved, evergreen tree native to a number of islands in the tropical South-West Pacific Ocean, including the largest - New Guinea. Surprisingly for a genus with more than 700 known species, it is the only Eucalyptus species with a natural range that extends into the northern hemisphere! It was brought to the attention of western science, named and described by German-Dutch botanist Karl Ludwig von Blume (1796-1862) in 1850.

How to grow the Rainbow eucalyptus - Eucalyptus deglupta

Its natural habitat are forests which experience high rain falls, yet despite this it has proven capable of surviving quite happily in subtropical climates so long as soils remain consistently moist and where there is no risk from frosts.

Under favourable cultivation you can expect the Rainbow eucalyptus tree to grows up to 30 to 35 meters with a width of 15-18 metres, although heights of up to 70 metres have been recorded in its native range. It has a distinctly branching habit with a truck diameter usually of no more than 1.5-2 metres.

It is noted for having a colourful, peeling bark, however not only does it have the most striking and ornamental bark of all species within the genus Eucalyptus, it produces arguably the most ornamental bark within the entire plant kingdom! Be aware that when grown away from its native range the bark colour will not be as pronounced.

How to grow the Rainbow eucalyptus - Eucalyptus deglupta

The smooth trunk barks starts off orange-tinted, then over the summer peels away in ribbons. This then darkens and matures to give blue, purple, orange and then maroon tones.The peeling process results in vertical streaks of red, orange, green, blue, and gray, nense the common name of

Unfortunately it is not possible to grow the Rainbow eucalyptus in northern European gardens due to the cold winters unless grown under protection, however it is suitable for cooler subtropical and even frost-free Mediterranean climates. It will perform best in a rich, medium to wet soils in full sun. During periods of low rainfall you will need to provide regular watering.

Due to its large size the Rainbow eucalyptus is better suited to open areas, rather than suburban gardens as its raised roots can break up pavements and damage foundations.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW EUCALYPTUS FROM SEED
HOW TO GROW EUCALYPTUS GUNNII
HOW TO GROW EUCALYPTUS PAUCIFLORA subsp. NIPHOPHILA
HOW TO GROW THE RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS- Eucalyptus deglupta
HOW TO GROW THE TASMANIAN SNOW GUM - Eucalyptus coccifera