The Best Weather for the Rainbow Eucalyptus

Unique Among Its Peers

• Eucalyptus trees conjure thoughts of koala bears and the Australian outback. For the most part, these associations are accurate. Eucalyptus grow almost exclusively on the island continent. The rainbow eucalyptus is unique among its peers for voyaging north of the equator. The USDA reports that it's already present in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and botanists in southern Florida have also successfully cultivated it. Presumably, it could go in other regions of the United States, given a favorable climate.

Temperature

• Like other eucalyptus species, the rainbow eucalyptus is a tropical plant. It thrives in warm climates. It is mildly resistant to the cold, but it cannot tolerate frost. Go much further north than USDA Zone 10, and you'll have trouble keeping it alive through the winter.

Moisture

• In the wild, rainbow eucalyptus thrive in rain forests and along the edges of swamps. They're thirsty plants and need a great deal of water to survive -- and even more to grow to their full potential. Rainy weather helps them thrive, and they'll be some of the first trees to die off during a drought. At the same time, if they're exposed to prolonged flooding, they'll die from rot.

Sunlight

• When the sun comes out after a heavy storm, a rainbow appears. The rainbow eucalyptus also thrives under these circumstances. It needs heavy rainfall, but it also needs a lot of light. Its growth will slow if the sky is persistently overcast.