Where to Find Eucalyptus Trees to Bring the Tropics Home

With their graceful weeping foliage and peeling colorful bark, eucalyptus trees have an exotic, tropical allure. If you’ve been searching unsuccessfully for these stunning evergreens at local nurseries, have no fear – you can still find eucalyptus trees for sale conveniently near you.

This guide will cover everything you need to know including

• An overview of eucalyptus trees
• The benefits and challenges of growing eucalyptus
• Where to find eucalyptus trees for sale locally
• How to select healthy eucalyptus trees
• Care tips for eucalyptus trees
• Inspiring photos of eucalyptus in landscapes

Let’s get started bringing the exotic beauty of eucalyptus to your own backyard!

Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of over 700 flowering evergreen species, the majority of which are native to Australia. They belong to the plant family Myrtaceae.

These fast-growing trees are prized for their graceful, weeping foliage, ornamental bark, and aromatic properties. The leaves release a pleasant, medicinal scent when crushed.

Depending on the species, eucalyptus trees typically reach heights of 75-150 feet tall and up to 75 feet wide. The bark sheds to reveal shades of green, gray, orange, and cream, adding to the visual appeal.

Thanks to their rapid growth, eucalyptus are valued as timber and windbreak trees as well. They thrive in warm, humid climates and can’t tolerate extreme cold or frost.

Why Grow a Eucalyptus Tree?

Here are some of the best benefits eucalyptus trees offer:

• Ornamental weeping foliage
• Attractive, peeling bark
• Provides shade and wind protection
• Fragrant crushed leaves
• Fast growing and hardy
• Sources of eucalyptus oil and timber
• Thrives in warm, humid climates
• Tolerates coastal conditions
• Low maintenance once established

If you live in USDA zones 8-11, a eucalyptus tree is sure to thrive and add tropical flair to your environment. They perform especially well in coastal areas like Florida, Southern California, and the Gulf region.

Challenges of Growing Eucalyptus Trees

While eucalyptus trees have a lot going for them, there are some drawbacks to consider as well:

• Messy shedding bark and leaves
• Shallow root systems can cause blowdowns
• Need consistent warm temperatures
• Damaged by freezing weather and frost
• Require ample irrigation while establishing
• Highly flammable – fire hazard in dry climates
• Limited availability at local nurseries

With smart siting and proper care, these minor disadvantages are easily overcome.

Where to Find Eucalyptus Trees for Sale Nearby

Eucalyptus trees aren’t always easy to find at regular garden centers and nurseries. Here are some options for locating them near you:

• Local specialist nurseries – Small independent nurseries focused on unusual plants are your best local bet. Inventory will be limited though.

• Online mail order – Order from nurseries like Fast Growing Trees that ship container-grown eucalyptus straight to your door.

• Farmers markets & nonprofit plant sales – Keep an eye out for eucalyptus offerings at local markets and community plant sales.

• Take cuttings from neighborhood trees – Ask neighbors if you can take cuttings from their eucalyptus to root your own trees.

• Grow from seed – You can find eucalyptus seeds from specialty sources online or by collecting pods.

Don’t worry if eucalyptus trees prove hard to find in your immediate area. With a little perseverance and creativity, you can source them through alternative channels.

Selecting Eucalyptus Trees – What to Look For

To pick the healthiest eucalyptus trees, check for these signs when buying:

• Straight central trunk – Avoid trees with crooked, damaged, or double trunks.

• Densely foliated branches – Foliage should be full and abundant without bare patches.

• Intact bark – Bark should not be damaged, cracked or peeling significantly.

• Clean foliage – No brown spots, wilting, discoloration, bugs, or obvious disease.

• Moist soil – Potting mix should be damp but not muddy. Don’t buy plants that are dried out.

• Rootbound okay – Eucalyptus don’t mind being a little potbound. But avoid girdling roots.

• Established form – For fastest growth, select trees over younger whips.

Take time to carefully inspect each tree you’re considering. A healthy start means success!

Caring for Eucalyptus Trees in Your Landscape

Here are some tips for keeping your eucalyptus tree thriving:

• Plant in full sun and in an area with ample space to grow to mature size.

• Prepare the site well by amending soil with compost to improve drainage.

• Stake the tree when first planting to protect from wind and support proper growth.

• Water 1-2 times per week while establishing. Ease off once established.

• Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Prune only lightly to direct growth. Never hack branches severely.

• Fertilize 3 times per year with a balanced slow-release formula.

• Wrap young trees if frost threatens until they mature.

When given proper care and growing conditions, eucalyptus trees will take off and reward you with their signature graceful, exotic beauty.

Inspiring Eucalyptus Tree Landscape Photos

Need some visual inspiration for incorporating eucalyptus trees elegantly into your landscape? Here are a few gorgeous examples:

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Let these beautiful eucalyptus tree landscape shots ignite ideas for making the most of these tropical-looking trees in your own yard.

Bringing the Tropics Home With Eucalyptus Trees

The sweeping foliage, multicolored bark, and aromatic scent of eucalyptus trees create the feel of the tropics wherever they grow. Although not always readily available, you can find eucalyptus for sale in your area through local specialty nurseries, online sellers, or propagation.

Take time to source the healthiest trees and give them proper care when first establishing in your landscape. Soon you’ll have graceful, exotic eucalyptus specimens gracing your yard. Their fast growth, hardiness, and low maintenance make caring for them a breeze.

Before you know it, you’ll feel like you’re basking beachside rather than in your own backyard thanks to gorgeous eucalyptus trees. So don’t delay – start searching for these dramatic evergreens to bring a tropical touch to your home landscape this season!