Eucalyptus risdonii, known as the Risdon Peppermint, is one of the rare plants introduced into horticulture because of its unusual characters. In its native range, E. risdonii occurs on sands between the Tasmanian cities of Risdon and Cambridge. This area, just north of Hobart, is in a rain shadow, and normally the area is considered to be very dry.
E. risdonii is a small growing tree that can be formed as a mallee. Some authors believe that it can grow to 20m, but the trees thought to be E. risdonii are probably hybrids with E. amygdalina. It's usual height in cultivation is 3 - 8 metres.
Risdon Peppermint is typified by having only juvenile leaves. These leaves are typical stem-clasping, heart-shaped leaves without a petiole. With Risdon Peppermint, as the leaves senesce, they remain on the tree, spinning in the wind as they detach. After a few months, in strong winds, these dead leaves will blow off, cleaning up the tree.
E. risdonii also has a very handsome trunk, smooth on all parts with patches of white, pale grey and rusty red. It normally has an upright-oval form, and an excellent contrast between the trunk and foliage.
Risdon Peppermint is commonly grown in Australia, but most of the plants end up as floristry foliage, rather than as urban trees.
Because of its considerable drought tolerance, small size, excellent foliage and showy bark, E. risdonii should be considered by most horticulturists. It probably is not tolerant of waterlogging or strongly compacted soils, but given free drainage and full sun, it should survive in otherwise-harsh environments. It is very frost hardy.
For sale is a packet of approximately 100 fresh seeds.
ALL SEED PACKAGES COME WITH A SET OF SEED PROPAGATION INSTRUCTIONS.
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KENNI KOALA'S AUSSIE SEED STORE
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