Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum)

Botanical name

Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Other names

Red river gum, River red gum, Murray red gum, Long beak eucalyptus

Genus

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus

Species

E. camaldulensis - E. camaldulensis is a upright, spreading, borderline hardy, evergreen tree with smooth, grey or blue-white bark, sometimes tinted or streaked reddish-pink. Open branches bear ovate to broadly lance-shaped, grey-green juvenile leaves turning lance-shaped and mid- to grey-green with maturity. Umbels of cream to pale yellow flowers in summer are followed by ovoid fruit.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Open branches, Spreading, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Pale-yellow, Cream in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific diseases

Silver leaf , Oedema

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Pruning group 7 to maintain juvenile foilage.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) will reach a height of 30m and a spread of 20m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Containers, Architectural, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil. Site in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. Best in moisture retentive soil but will tolerate drought once established. Hardy to -5C.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum)

Common pest name

; Apple bark beetle; Asian ambrosia beetle; Granulate ambrosia beetle

Scientific pest name

Xylosandrus crassiusculus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Ambrosia beetle which can affect a wide range of broadleaved trees; widespread in Africa; Asia and parts of the US; with outbreaks in France and Italy. The UK climate is unlikely to be suitable for the pest to thrive and cause significant damage but needs to be investigated through research. A Europe-wide PRA will help inform the case for EU regulation. Premises involved in importing wood and host plants from Italy in particular; where official measures are not being taken; should source material carefully.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum)

Common pest name

Eucalyptus rust; Guava rust; Rust of eucalyptus; Rust of guava

Scientific pest name

Puccinia psidii

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Rust fungus affecting members of the myrtle family; including Eucalyptus. Europe wide assessment should be considered; given its spread to areas (i.e. Tasmania) with similar climatic conditions.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum)

Common pest name

Eucalyptus leaf beetle

Scientific pest name

Paropsisterna selmani

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Unknown Distribution)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Eucalyptus leaf beetle native to Tasmania but now present in Ireland; where it is causing damage to species used for forestry and ornamental purposes. Now detected in the South of England. Statutory action would be taken against findings on commercially traded material. Stakeholders may wish to monitor for its presence in gardens and the wider environment.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/