Will a rainbow eucalyptus tree grow in KY?

Will a rainbow eucalyptus tree grow in Ky?

Hi, Jenni: Rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) are native to tropical forested areas of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippine Islands. These beautiful trees get their common name from the intense rainbow-like colors that are exposed as the bark peels. During the summer months, the bark exfoliates and the inner layers are exposed, revealing shades of green, red, orange, purple and brown. Rainbow eucalyptus can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. Here in Kentucky, we are gardening in zones 6-7(depending on location). Rainbow eucalyptus will not tolerate frost and would not survive our winters. I have never been in such awe of a tree! I remember visiting the redwood forests in California and randomly coming upon a row of rainbow eucalyptus trees. The fragrance and multi-colored trunks were nothing short of intoxicating. I hope that you have or will get to see these magnificent trees in person too!

Angie Oakley

Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener