Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Rostrata Red River Gum

Eucalyptus Rostrata is a large evergreen eucalyptus tree with cream bark and scented leaves. It’s an excellent choice of specimen tree for planting near water.

Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Rostrata is native to Australia. It’s a familiar sight in Australian towns and gardens as its large spreading canopy provides shade in the hot months. It will grow in UK gardens too where it’s better known as Red River Gum. This eucalyptus tree has smooth cream bark and lance-shaped mint-scented mature leaves. New foliage emerges rounded and lighter than the mature leaves and in spring small panicles of pollinator-attracting white flowers with yellow stamens appear. In the winter months this large tree holds onto its leaves and creates a focal point in empty gardens.

Height and Spread of Eucalyptus Rostrata
Red River Gum is fast growing and can reach heights of 40 metres but it can be kept smaller with regular pruning.

How Hardy Is Eucalyptus Rostrata
This is a hardy tree that once established withstands cold winters and hot summers. Its scented leaves deter pests.

How To Use Eucalyptus Rostrata
This is a large fast-growing tree that’s best grown as a specimen in a large garden or kept well pruned in smaller spaces. Its aromatic foliage is welcomed in the dull winter months and the small flowers attract pollinators to wildlife friendly spaces.

If you have a sunny garden this tree provides shade and because it’s a thirsty tree it suits a spot by water. Red River Gum is a good alternative to willow.

The scented foliage is popular and long-lasting in flower arrangements.

How To Care For Eucalyptus Rostrata
Red River Gum is a self-sufficient tree once established. Plant yours in a sunny spot near a water source if possible. If planting into soil without a water source nearby keep it well watered in the dry months.
Fill the planting hole with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost and keep grass clear from the base until established to cut down on nutrient competition.
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Rostrata can be left to grow naturally or pruned to restrict its height and spread. Prune in early spring and again in May/June to trim back new bushy growth. Mulch each year but keep mulch away from the trunk as it may cause rot.