Red Box Gum

Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box Gum) is a good “specimen” tree with trailing silver foliage and an upright growing habit. You will occasionally hear of eucalyptus polyanthemos being called Red Box. This eucalyptus is drought tolerant once established and does well with just the seasonal rain. Eucalyptus polyanthemos gets tall but many trim it to a smaller size. It needs to be trimmed yearly to prevent power line intrusions. Young trees have roundish silvery leaves thus the name Silver Dollar Eucalyptus. Many floral arrangements use the leaves for a colorful contrast. Mature leaves become gray green and lance shaped. Trees have soothing fluttery leaf wind movement and rustling sound. Small white flowers and tiny seed pods form in early spring.