agniexzka,

That works great with the ones that form lignotubers. Go to this site and learn which ones form this structure and the care and culture of Eucalyptus: http://www.angelfire.com/bc/eucalyptus/

I know many people who do this and they enjoy the new growth in flower arrangements.

John

Here is a link that might be useful: HOW TO GROW A EUCALYPTUS

John,

Thanks for the info.
I'm realizing that I may not have enough space for it in my small urban garden :(

Agnieszka

In Seattle at the present time it is possible to walk around many neighborhoods and see gum trees all over the place. If you live in Seattle or another large community near salt water you may be able to do likewise and gain a perspective on what seems feasible with these trees that way. Enthusiasts may have multiple unrestrained specimens planted on small lots. Most kinds seen here produce an open tree that can be quite slender and not particularly low- or wide-branching, although this certainly varies and some grow quite large very quickly.

See Jacobson, Trees of Seattle - Second Edition for locations and descriptions, prepared with the assistance of eucalyptus expert and nurseryman Ian Barclay who posts on this forum.

Basically.... plant almost any kind you like, and cut it back to a 1-2' stump every year in April. Or else stand back and watch it grow straight up...in a few years it will be up and out of the way and you will hardly notice it.

bboy, I did see some around north Seattle but they're all pretty big. Lovely but huge. Today was the first time that I saw one that was cut back; it's in Green Lake park!
Ian, what about the roots? I read somewhere that it shouldn't be planted too close to a house foundation or garden wall. It makes sense when you talk about a tree. Is it the same when the eucalyptus is cut back every year?

BTW, I hope that you're coming to the NHS plant sale. I would like to get a couple of grevillea from you and one more plant I can't remember the name now.

Thanks for your responses!

Cutting it back every year will slow down the root system somewhat. In general I wouldn't be concerned about planting it near the house if you're really sure it's going to get cut back yearly. Eucalyptus roots are somewhat agressive but tend not to disturb house foundations when the moist soil is to be found somewhere else. See you at the sale!

Cool! I'm going to definitely try one. Maybe I wait for the sale to get one from you :)