I'd like to plant a Eucalyptus with a view to it making a largish
tree, but the bed I have in mind has thin, dry, very chalky soil.
Obviously I could try to improve the soil a little before planting,
but I've read mixed advice on whether Eucalypts tolerate alkaline
soil. Does anyone know whether they do and if so is there a variety
that would be particularly recommended in this situation? (Or would I
be better off planting something else * I also fancy a Betula utilis,
if that's what I'm thinking of, the birch with the white peeling bark
that looks quite spectacular in winter.)

Robert