Eucalyptus - can you use the leaves in your compost heap?

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lyndiloo2011 Northern Namibia, Namibia Oct 05, 2014

Can you mulch the leaves into the bed under the Eucalyptus Tree? Will plants grow under the tree?

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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Oct 05, 2014

I would not use Eucalyptus leaves, twigs or fruit in a compost pile.
Mostly, no, plants will not grow under Euc. The few I have seen have been scraggly, struggling plants. The few plants doing OK were under trees where the leaves were raked and removed. However, here is a list that someone compiled, perhaps a starting point.

http://www.smgrowers.com/resources/eucalyptus.asp

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Oct 05, 2014

The leaves and stems don't compost down well and can take years as they are full of oils that make them water proof.
Lovely smell if used in a vase with other flowers like Roses OR lily's, but I love to admire the sway of the branches in the wind and the colour of the leaves depending on the neighbouring plants/ I grow Rhododendrons under my Eucalyptus and they are fine, every 5-7 years I get my husband to remove some lower branches to allow more light onto the Rhodo's as the Eucalyptus does grow fast and wide. Rhododendrons also have oily foliage so maybe that helps them survive being close under the Eucalyptus tree,

If you have a fire pit, throw some Eucalyptus leaves or small twigs onto it and it bursts into life with a lovely smell BUT keep kids away.
Best Regards, WeeNel.

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