Eucalyptus victrix (Smooth-barked Coolibah) - A slow growing small lignotuberous tree to 20-25 feet in cultivation with an attractive smooth white trunk and stems holding lance to slightly sickle shaped green leaves that are broadest at the base. From winter into spring appear the light green flower buds held in umbels with of up to seven buds that open to display creamy white flowers followed by conical fruit.
Plant in full sun and irrigate occasionally to very infrequently (if at all along the coast) once established. It is said to be tolerant of both well-drained and poorly draining soils and hardy to temperatures down to 18° F. This tree is rare in cultivation in California, but it should be planted more often as it is a tough tree that stays small and has a beautiful white smooth trunk.
Eucalyptus victrix is in the subgenus Symphyomyrtus section Adnataria and it grows naturally in Western Australia, Central Australia in Northern Territory and far western Queensland where it is generally found in sandy-loam or clay-sandy soils. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'eu' meaning "well" and 'kalypto' meaning 'to cover' as with a lid and an allusion to the united calyx-lobes and petals that is called an operculum that forms a lid or cap that is shed when the flowers open and the specific epithet is from the Latin word 'victrix' meaning "one who conquers" in reference to the success of this species in such a difficult climate. Other common names include Western Coolibah and Little Ghost Gum. We thank Jo O'Connell of of Australian Native Plant Nurseryin Casitas Springs (Ojai), California for introducing us to this tough and very attractive small tree that we have been growing since 2021.
This information about Eucalyptus victrix displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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