Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata

Common Name: Victorian Blue Gum

Height: 20-45 metres.

Spread: 15 + metres

Habit: Large tree.

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin/Habitat: Abundant in NE Vic, less frequent in SW slopes of NSW.

Foliage: Adult leaves 12-30cm, hanging vertically; thick, glossy and dark green in colour. Veins fine, distinct, and regular. Juvenile leaves, large bluish-white in colour, opposite, no leaf stalks on square sectioned branchlets. Intermediate leaves may be up to 60cm in length.

Flowers: Sept-Jan. White in colour.

Other features for identification: Buds smaller than ssp. globulus, in 3’s.

Soil preferences: pH neutral to acid. Fertilise at plant out with 10gm of 18:2.6:10 NPK slow release.

Cultural tolerances: Will grow from warm to highlands temperature zones in most rich soils. Requires full sun. Tender to salt winds; moderately resistant to drought and pollution; very resistant to frost. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a windbreak.

Common Pest or Disease problems: Leaf spot (Mycosphaenella spp.), and autumn gum moth (Mnesampela privata) affect Eucalyptus bicostata.

Maintenance requirements: Low. Add a 9 month slow release fertiliser in spring.

Uses:     Firewood & Timber

Other: Timber is used for heavy and light construction, poles, heavy duty flooring and tool handles.

Propagation: By seed.