Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box
Best low-maintenance evergreen for gardeners seeking fragrant, fast-growing landscape interest.
Discover the Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box, a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia. Valued for its graceful open habit and aromatic, glaucous blue-green foliage, this tree offers a unique visual and auditory experience with its leaves rustling in the breeze. It features attractive peeling bark and produces small white flowers in early spring. Ideal for sunny locations with well-draining soil, it's drought and heat tolerant once established, making it a versatile choice for landscapes or containers. Immature boughs are also excellent for floral arrangements.
$18.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
312
/ 1208
#312 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-82%
Below average
SKU
29631
Who it's for
- Homeowners needing fast-growing shade and vertical landscape interest
- Floral designers seeking unique, year-round foliage for arrangements
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts living in hot, arid climates
Who should skip it
- Gardeners who dislike frequent yard cleanup and maintenance
- Residents in regions prone to harsh, freezing winters
- Property owners with limited space near foundations or sidewalks
Performance breakdown
Growth Velocity
Rapid development makes this an ideal choice for quick landscape screening.
Drought Resilience
Established trees thrive with minimal supplemental water in hot, dry climates.
Floral Utility
Aromatic foliage provides professional-grade greenery for home floral arrangements.
Maintenance Ease
Minimal litter and rugged constitution simplify long-term garden upkeep.
Container Adaptability
Versatile enough for patio pots while maintaining its signature aesthetic.
Sensory Appeal
Glaucous leaves create a soothing auditory experience in gentle breezes.
Key Specs
SKU
29631
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
30 Feet
Mature Width
15 Feet
Foliage Type
Evergreen
USDA Hardiness Zones
8, 9
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth Rate
Fast
Features
- Aromatic, florist-quality foliage
- Creates lovely rustling sounds
- Rugged street tree potential
- Versatile houseplant option
- Produces minimal litter
- Fast growth rate
- Drought tolerant once established
- Easy care maintenance
What customers say
The sentiment centers on the exceptional quality and reliability of the Red Box Eucalyptus. Customers consistently report receiving robust, healthy specimens that are expertly packaged, ensuring successful establishment. The primary praise focuses on its impressive hardiness and vigorous growth rate, confirming its reliability as a distinctive ornamental tree. Gardeners appreciate the long term landscape impact and feel the value is strong, making this a highly recommended, low maintenance choice.
Know before you buy
Yes, this tree is well-suited for container gardening. Because it is fast-growing, you should ensure your pot has excellent drainage and be prepared to repot it as it matures.
The Eucalyptus polyanthemos is hardy in USDA zones 8 and 9. If you live in a colder climate, it is best kept in a container so you can move it indoors during freezing winter temperatures.
Once established, the Red Box is quite drought-tolerant and prefers low water needs. During its first season, however, you should water it regularly to help the root system develop.
Since this tree reaches a mature width of 15 feet, you should space them at least 15 to 20 feet apart to ensure proper airflow and room for the canopy to develop its characteristic open habit.
Absolutely. The aromatic, glaucous blue-green leaves are highly prized by florists for their unique color and texture, and they hold up very well in cut arrangements.
The Red Box is considered a low-litter tree. While it does have peeling bark and evergreen foliage, it does not drop large amounts of fruit or messy debris, making it a clean choice for street-side or patio planting.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$19