This type of evergreen broadleaf saves on water but it should be planted away from thirsty plants. Eucs are fast and some gardeners in Victoria plant them right against walls. Many plant without thinking of future tree sizes. I won't let my eucs become too big. If I can't control the speed and size I'll chop them and they'll grow from the roots. What's nice with more tender eucs that are marginal is that they bounce back.

The City of Victoria has planted very few public specimens. I wonder why because they require less water than the nuked maples and white birches. Esquimalt has destroyed quite a few birches that dwindled from last summer. This summer was the nail in the coffin for many of these eastern trees. Maybe they should plant more Arbutus. What I like about Arbutus is that it stays green all year. I'll use Arbutus unedo in the dry part of the garden with eucs to save on water.

Cheers

Here is a link that might be useful: Eucalyptus in Victoria, BC

Hi Den:

I love the huge palms in the photo of the garden center.

I agree that they should use more Eucalyptus species (and others from Australia and New Zealand) as the weather is getting hotter and drier every year. Arbutus are fantastic but also can be quite fussy about transplanting.

Cheers,
MG

Here is a link that might be useful: Our website