Eucalyptus radiata

E. radiata is very popular with urban horticulturists because of its compact crown, dense canopy and excellent form. It is proving itself to be an improved Peppermint for urban use; significantly better in streetscapes than E. nicholii. In Canberra, many avenues have been re-planted, and where eucalypts are appropriate, E. radiata has been the choice.

As a Peppermint, E. radiata has aromatic lanceolate leaves, a straight, rough-barked trunk, and semi-pendulous branches. The canopy is quite densely-branched, giving lush shade and a very definite form. The flowers appear in late spring and continue through until December or early January. These flowers are small and white, very profusely-borne.

E. radiata has an extended native range, growing from the tablelands of NSW into southern Victoria. The tree will grow on a wide variety of sites, both moist soils high in organic matter and poor, skeletal soils. It certainly will grow in most urban situations, although specific information regarding growth in highly-compacted sites is unknown.

Typical mature height:

most to 20m

Useful in:

broad streets, parks

Sites for best growth:

tolerates most soils, conditions