I'm on the hunt for some young Eucalyptus viminalis or E. nitens whips, saplings, or rootstock in the UK. I really need first-year plants, not the established specimens that are typically sold in big pots. I'm aiming to get around 15 of them, and it would be great if I could avoid spending over £10 each. Has anyone else had luck purchasing younger plants in the UK? Any tips on where to look would be super helpful!
3 Answers
I get where you're coming from with the eucalyptus, but have you thought about using native trees for firewood instead? Coppicing existing hazel and willow could provide good light for the oaks. I love eucalyptus in gardens, but they're not always the best for wildlife.
Those trees can grow really large! Just curious, why do you want 15 of them?
I have the space for them! There's a bit of woodland attached to my garden that used to be oak but got cleared. I want to restore it back to oak, so I'm looking to plant about 15 eucalyptus for firewood since they grow quickly and burn well. Once I thin out the other trees, they'll give me a steady supply.
Just a heads up, neither E. viminalis nor E. nitens are fully hardy in the UK unless you're in a really sheltered spot. E. nitens might last a few years, but watch out for foliage damage once they get taller than your surrounding trees.
I'm in USDA Zone 9 and think E. viminalis will be fine where I'm planting it since it's sheltered and in a mild area.
I appreciate your concern, and trust me, I'm considering the ecological impact. I'm only looking to plant 15 eucalyptus trees to intermix, not to create a full stand. Eucalyptus is a solid option because it grows straight and fast, which is great for my firewood needs. The woodland is still good for wildlife, and I'm just using the eucalyptus as a temporary protector until the other trees are established.