Messmate Stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua)

Eucalyptus obliqua is a new species in our range. They have been freshly potted to 140mm and will be available in mid-September for release. Pre-orders are open.

Eucalyptus obliqua, commonly known as the Messmate Stringybark, is a tall evergreen tree endemic to southeastern Australia. It has rough, stringy or fibrous bark on the trunk and larger branches, smooth greyish bark on the thinnest branches, lance-shaped to curved adult leaves, flower buds in groups of seven to fifteen or more, white flowers and cup-shaped or barrel-shaped fruit.

Messmate Stringybark is widespread in cooler areas of southeastern Australia. It occurs from Kangaroo Island through southeast South Australia, through Victoria and Tasmania, mainly east of the tablelands in New South Wales, with a few populations extending into southern Queensland. It occurs from sea level up to 1,475 m in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. The climate is humid or subhumid, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm and annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 2,400 mm. Severe winter frosts are expected, and severe drought is exceptionally uncommon. It occurs from latitudes ranging from 28°S to 43.5°S.

Here is some helpful information for growing this plant:

Tree Height and Spread: Eucalyptus obliqua is a tall tree that can reach up to 80 meters, making it one of the tallest eucalyptus species. It has a spread of up to 24 meters and a dense canopy of foliage. The tree can live for several hundred years and is known for its attractive, peeling bark and large, glossy green leaves.

Preferred Soil Type: Eucalyptus obliqua prefers well-drained soils that are deep, fertile, and sandy or loamy in texture. It can tolerate many soil types, including clay soils, but will not grow well in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils. It prefers slightly acidic soils to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.

Soil pH: Eucalyptus obliqua prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soil but will not grow well in highly acidic or alkaline soils. It is essential to monitor the soil pH and adjust as needed to maintain the appropriate conditions for growth.

Light Requirements: Eucalyptus obliqua is a plant that requires full sun to thrive. It will not perform well in shaded areas or less than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It may benefit from some protection from the hottest part of the day in areas with hot summers.

Water Requirements: Eucalyptus obliqua is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with little water once established. However, it will perform best if it receives regular watering during the growing season. Watering the tree deeply and infrequently rather than giving it frequent shallow watering is essential. This will encourage the roots to grow deep and help to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Fertiliser Requirements: Eucalyptus obliqua is a plant that does not require much fertiliser. It can be fertilised once or twice yearly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. However, over-fertilisation can lead to excessive growth and reduced stress tolerance. It is best to avoid fertilising the plant during winter when growth is slow.

Pruning Requirements: Eucalyptus obliqua requires little pruning, but it may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the tree begins to put out new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Eucalyptus obliqua is a relatively pest-free tree. However, it can be susceptible to borers and other pests if stressed due to drought or other factors. To prevent this problem, providing adequate water and avoiding over-fertilisation is essential. Messmate stringybark can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, which can be controlled through proper pruning and management.

In conclusion, Eucalyptus obliqua is a majestic, tall tree that can add a beautiful and natural addition to any landscape. Proper care can provide a long-lived addition to the landscape for many years. By providing well-drained soil, full sunlight and avoiding over-fertilisation, you can help your messmate stringybark tree thrive and offer a beautiful and natural addition to your property.