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Eucalyptus ovata

Eucalyptus ovata

Most loved for its straight trunk, glossy green foliage, and adaptability to damp lowland soils, making it a reliable native tree for habitat and shelter plantings.

Regular price $280.00
Sale price $280.00 Regular price
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Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
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Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.6m – 1.9m$280.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Eucalyptus ovata

    Eucalyptus ovata, the Swamp Gum or Black Gum, is a medium native tree with a rounded, upright crown. Juvenile leaves are broadly oval, which gives the species its name, and adult leaves are glossy dark green. Rough grey bark holds on the lower trunk, with smooth bark shedding in ribbons above.

    It grows on ground other eucalypts refuse: heavy clay, seasonally flooded flats and poorly drained corners. Full sun to part shade suits it. It is frost hardy through heavy and frequent frost, with moderate drought tolerance. Growth is 1 to 1.5 metres a year. Best in Tasmania, Victoria, southern New South Wales and South Australia.

    It is used for revegetating wet flats and creek margins, for farm shelterbelts, and in civic parkland and avenue planting where the ground stays damp. The winter and spring flowers matter for wildlife in the cold months. At 12 to 20 metres with a canopy to 15 metres, it is a shade tree for open ground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Swamp Gum

    What is Eucalyptus ovata?

    Eucalyptus ovata, called Swamp Gum or Black Gum, is an evergreen native of Tasmania, Victoria, southern New South Wales and South Australia. It grows naturally on poorly drained flats and creek margins. The name comes from the broadly oval juvenile leaves. Adult foliage is glossy dark green and the lower trunk carries rough grey bark.

    How big does Swamp Gum grow?

    It reaches 12 to 20 metres tall with a broad canopy of 7 to 15 metres. Trees on damp, fertile flats reach the upper end of that range, while those on drier ground stay smaller. It is a full-sized shade tree, so plan around the wider canopy figure rather than the height when choosing a position.

    Will it grow in wet or boggy soil?

    Yes, and that is what sets it apart. It grows naturally on swampy flats and tolerates soil that is waterlogged for weeks at a time as well as periodic flooding, which is why it is used for revegetating wet gullies, dam surrounds and drainage lines. It also copes with heavy clay that stays cold and wet through winter.

    Does it need sun or shade?

    Full sun gives the best form, but it is more shade tolerant than most eucalypts and will grow acceptably in part shade, including under the edge of an existing canopy. In heavy shade the crown thins and the trunk stretches. For a shade tree or shelterbelt, open the position up and give it full light.

    When does Swamp Gum flower?

    Flowering runs through winter and into spring, and can begin in late autumn in warmer districts. The flowers are small, white to cream and held in clusters of seven. Because they open in the cold months, they are an important nectar source for honeyeaters, swift parrots in Tasmania and native bees when little else flowers.

    Is Swamp Gum frost tolerant?

    Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage. It occurs naturally in cold, frost-prone hollows in Tasmania and the Victorian highlands where cold air pools, so it handles the sites that damage less hardy trees. No protection is needed beyond ordinary care in the first year.

    How do I care for Swamp Gum?

    Water through the first two summers, though on naturally damp ground it will need less. Mulch the root zone and keep the mulch off the trunk. Skip phosphorus-rich fertiliser. Prune in the first few years for a single leader and clear trunk, then only to remove deadwood or limbs over paths and fences.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Rounded
    • Upright
    Use
    • Avenue Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Revegetation or Regeneration
    • Shade Tree
    Mature height
    10m to 30m (approx.)
    Mature width
    7m to 15m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Eucalyptus ovata

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Eucalyptus ovata

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Eucalyptus ovata is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Eucalyptus ovata

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Eucalyptus ovata in Different Soil

    Eucalyptus ovata performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Avenue Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Revegetation or Regeneration
    • Shade Tree

    Eucalyptus ovata works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Eucalyptus ovata Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Eucalyptus ovata is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 10m to 30m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 7m to 15m

    Eucalyptus ovata is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Eucalyptus ovata

    Eucalyptus ovata is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Eucalyptus ovata

    Is Eucalyptus ovata frost tolerant?

    Eucalyptus ovata is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Eucalyptus ovata Flower?

    Eucalyptus ovata produces clusters of small creamy-white fluffy flowers from late summer into autumn. These soft blooms sit along the slender branchlets, adding a subtle seasonal highlight that pairs with its smooth, patchy bark and fresh green foliage.

    Does Eucalyptus ovata flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Fluffy

    Flower Colour:

    Cream

    Is Eucalyptus ovata an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Eucalyptus ovata is Native to Native to south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales, where it naturally grows in swampy flats and river valleys.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Eucalyptus ovata ?

    Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. The tall evergreen canopy provides valuable shelter, nesting and perching habitat for small birds, while the rugged bark supports insects and microfauna, enriching overall garden biodiversity.

    How much Sunlight does Eucalyptus ovata need?

    Eucalyptus ovata will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Eucalyptus occidentalis performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. Although naturally adaptable to poorer soils, it may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support excellent drought performance, strong structural growth and reliable flowering.

    Is Eucalyptus ovata Drought Tolerant?

    Is Eucalyptus ovata Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Eucalyptus occidentalis develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry, inland and coastal environments and maintains strong growth and canopy health with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Eucalyptus ovata suitable for wetlands?
    Absolutely. It's one of the few eucalypts that thrive in swampy conditions and wetland areas.

    Can it withstand flooding?
    Yes, Eucalyptus ovata is tolerant of periodic flooding, making it a great choice for flood-prone regions.

    Compare sizes side by side

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.6m – 1.9m

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Eucalyptus ovata is loved for its straight trunk, glossy green foliage, and adaptability to damp lowland soils, making it a reliable native tree for habitat and shelter plantings.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Eucalyptus ovata With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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