Eucalyptus populnea ‘Murray’ | Bimble Box Gum Tree
Decorative green-blue eucalyptus with large oval leaves and a compact habit for pots, containers and cut foliage.
Botanical name: Eucalyptus populnea
Variety: Murray
Common names: Bimble Box, Bimbil Box, Gum Tree
Family: Myrtaceae
Plant type: evergreen ornamental tree
Seed form: natural, non-pelleted seeds
Germination rate: 80% or higher under optimal conditions
Use: cut foliage, pots, mixed containers and landscaping
Eucalyptus populnea ‘Murray’ is an attractive evergreen eucalyptus valued for its large, oval-shaped leaves in rich green to blue-green shades. The foliage has a distinctive, fresh menthol-like aroma and brings natural texture, structure and depth to bouquets and floral arrangements.
‘Murray’ develops a compact, well-branched habit, making it particularly suitable for growing in pots, large containers and mixed plantings. It can also be cultivated for commercial cut-foliage production or grown as an ornamental eucalyptus tree in suitable climates.
Native to the semi-arid temperate and subtropical regions of eastern Australia, Eucalyptus populnea is known internationally as Bimble Box or Bimbil Box. In colder climates, it is best grown as an annual foliage plant or as a container plant that can be moved to a bright, frost-free location for winter.
Why grow Eucalyptus ‘Murray’?
- Large, oval green to blue-green leaves
- Fresh, distinctive menthol-like fragrance
- Decorative foliage for bouquets and arrangements
- Compact habit suitable for pot and container production
- Can be grown for commercial cut foliage
- Suitable for mixed containers and landscaping
- Germination rate of 80% or higher under optimal conditions
- True-to-type tested seed selection
- Responds well to pinching for improved branching
- Excellent choice for professional growers and home gardeners
Plant information
Plant height: approximately 70 cm when grown as a seasonal container crop
Plant width: approximately 70 cm under suitable conditions
Natural growth: may eventually develop into a much larger tree in frost-free climates
Crop time: approximately 15–18 weeks for a spring container crop
Light: full sun
Growing location: greenhouse, containers or outdoors during the frost-free season
Recommended substrate pH: 5.5–6.2
Seed form: raw seed
Use: pots, mixed containers, landscaping and cut foliage
Winter hardiness: not reliably frost-hardy in cold climates
Plant height and development may vary according to sowing time, container size, temperature, light levels, pruning and the length of the growing season.
Sowing instructions
Sow one to three seeds per plug or cell. Using two or three seeds per plug creates a fuller finished plant, especially for pot production and mixed containers.
The seeds require light for germination. Sow them on the surface of a fine, moist and well-drained seed-starting substrate. Press them gently into place without covering them with compost. A very thin layer of vermiculite may be applied to help retain moisture and humidity.
Germination temperature: 20–25°C
Expected germination: approximately 7–9 days
Recommended pH: 5.5–6.2
Recommended EC: below 0.75 during germination
Moisture and humidity during germination
Keep the substrate thoroughly moist during the first two to three days. Afterward, gradually reduce moisture while ensuring that the growing medium does not dry out before the roots emerge.
Maintain high relative humidity during the initial germination period. Once germination has occurred, gradually reduce humidity and increase ventilation.
Provide good horizontal airflow and ventilation to improve oxygen levels around the roots and reduce the risk of fungal disease. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Light and temperature
Eucalyptus seeds need light to germinate, but young seedlings should be protected from intense direct sunlight until they are well established.
After germination, provide high light levels to encourage compact, sturdy growth.
Growing temperature after germination: approximately 16–18°C
Minimum recommended cultivation temperature: approximately 12°C
Do not expose seedlings or young plants to frost.
Feeding young plants
Young eucalyptus seedlings are sensitive to high salt levels. Begin with light feeding and avoid applying concentrated fertiliser during the first stages of development.
Once the seedlings are established, apply a complete, balanced fertiliser at a low concentration. Fertilisation can be gradually increased as the root system and foliage develop.
Maintain a substrate pH of approximately 5.5–6.2. Avoid excessive ammonium nitrogen and monitor salt accumulation in container-grown plants.
Growing on
Transplant young plants once their roots have reached the edge of the plug. Handle the seedlings carefully because eucalyptus plants do not appreciate excessive root disturbance.
Use a light, well-drained substrate and provide plenty of light. Allow the growing medium to dry moderately between waterings before watering thoroughly again. Never leave the roots standing in water.
Established eucalyptus plants have relatively high nutrient requirements. During active growth, use a complete, balanced fertiliser regularly according to the product instructions and the condition of the plants.
Pinching and branching
Young plants may initially grow slowly, so growth regulators are generally unnecessary for home cultivation.
Softly pinch the main growing tip or cut back the young plant to encourage branching and create a fuller, more compact habit. Regular harvesting of foliage also stimulates the production of fresh side shoots.
Professional growers should use plant growth regulators only in accordance with locally authorised labels and regulations.
Outdoor cultivation and overwintering
Move plants outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions and choose a warm position in full sun, protected from cold or strong winds.
In regions with cold winters, grow ‘Murray’ as:
- an annual foliage crop;
- a seasonal container plant; or
- a large potted specimen overwintered indoors.
Before the first frost, move container-grown plants to a bright, cool and frost-free location. Reduce watering during winter, but do not allow the root ball to dry out completely.
Harvesting for cut foliage
Harvest the stems once they have reached the desired length and the foliage is sufficiently mature. Cut during the coolest part of the day and place the stems immediately into clean water.
Remove any leaves that would remain below the waterline. Use clean buckets and floral preservative to support vase life.
Regular cutting encourages branching and helps produce additional stems throughout the growing season.
Uses in floristry
The aromatic green-blue foliage is ideal for:
- Fresh seasonal bouquets
- Wedding and event arrangements
- Large floral installations
- Natural and foliage-focused designs
- Wreaths and table decorations
- Professional cut-foliage production
The deep green-blue leaves combine beautifully with white, cream, blush, apricot, lavender, burgundy and warm autumnal flowers.
Important information
This eucalyptus is cultivated for its decorative foliage rather than its flowers. It is not reliably winter-hardy in northern European climates and must be protected from frost.
