My passion is for growing eucalyptus trees, especially the hardy varieties. I have found them to be decorative, resilient, fast growing and suited to all kinds of situations.

Hardy Eucalyptus. Is this a contradiction in terms?

Eucalyptus gunnii surviving freezing periods at -15°c with no damage.

There are over 800 species of eucalyptus originating in Australasia.  Many species evolved in harsh microclimates in their native land and these are suitable for growing here. Many species grow at high altitude and are subject to frost and snow for considerable periods enduring over 200 frosts a year with no month being frost free . Others inhabit windswept high moorland often waterlogged for long periods. Many species grow on poor, thin, low fertility soils and when grown on deeper more fertile soils in more clement conditions their growth rates can be amazing.

  This all means that there is a good selection of species that are able to grow and thrive in areas where winter temperatures fall to -12°C to -15°C and several species that withstand down to -20°C.

  Many more can be grown as herbaceous shrubs with the frosted stems being cut down in early spring when the lignotuber will send up new shoots of often very beautiful juvenile foliage.

As a garden designer and plantsman based in South West France, I have had the opportunity to experiment over the last few years with species that are particularly suited to the climate of Western Europe.

On this site I describe these varieties in the species list.

Many of these species are available for purchase in special 1.4 litre rootrainer pots and can be dispatched by post.