Eucalyptus Camaldulensis

River Red Gum / Murray Red Gum / Red Gum / River Gum / Blue Gum / Flooded Gum

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen tree

Overview

A majestic Australian classic for large South Australian sites. River Red Gum carries blue- to grey-green, lance-shaped foliage on a smooth, mottled trunk (cream/grey with red patches), and bears creamy-white flowers mainly in summer that feed birds, bees and insects. Best for parks, rural/acreage blocks, swales and dam edges—not suited to small gardens or near structures due to vigorous roots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 10–20 m H × 6–15 m W in cultivation (can reach 30 m+ near water)
• Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, blue- to grey-green, narrow lance leaves; smooth, mottled trunk
• Flowers: Creamy-white, nectar-rich; main flush summer, with spot flowering after rain
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round structure and bark interest; summer bloom and attractive seed capsules
• Wildlife Value: High—nectar for pollinators; habitat and shade; mature trees develop hollows for birds and mammals
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, clay-tolerant; second-line coastal-tolerant; frost hardy (once established); tolerates periodic wet feet/floodplain soils
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: allow 6–10 m between trees (canopy spread 6–12 m); keep well clear of buildings, drains and paving
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic to pets; ingestion of leaves/oils may cause mild tummy upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (needs open sky for best form)
• Soil: Well-drained to seasonally wet loam, sandy loam or heavy clay; thrives on alluvial/floodplain soils; avoid permanently waterlogged, saline sites
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry (less if planted where roots access groundwater)
• Maintenance: Mulch wide; train early with structural pruning (do not “top”); remove deadwood as required; avoid root disturbance near the trunk
• Lifespan: 100–300+ years (very long-lived in suitable sites)
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens/landscapes, including inland river corridors and sheltered coastal areas
• Soil pH:  Acid, Neutral, Alkaline — highly adaptable; performs well on slightly alkaline/calcareous soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Avenue and shelterbelt planting on large blocks or rural driveways
• Feature shade tree for paddocks, swales and dam margins
• Revegetation and habitat plantings to support local biodiversity

Why You Will Love It

Iconic, tough and generous with shade, nectar and habitat. River Red Gum brings striking trunk colour, summer flowers and serious resilience to heat, drought and clay—a high-value hero for large SA landscapes when given space to grow.