About
Eucalyptus gunnii, the cider gum, is a fast-growing, large evergreen tree with attractively peeling, cream-and-brown bark. White flowers appear in small clusters. Rounded, bright glaucous-blue juvenile leaves are highly ornamental and popular for floral arranging; adult leaves are elliptic or sickle-shaped and silvery green. One of the hardiest and most widely grown of all eucalyptus in UK and European gardens.
About the genus
Eucalyptus are evergreen trees or large shrubs, most native to Australia, often fast-growing with attractive, often peeling or mottled bark, aromatic foliage and clusters of fluffy white, yellow or red flowers. Grown as specimen trees, hedges or coppiced for foliage in gardens and parks.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toAustralia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil that does not dry out, in full sun and sheltered from cold, drying winds. See eucalyptus cultivation
PruningPruning group 1 or, for young specimens giving the best display of juvenile foliage, Pruning group 7
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to eucalyptus sucker
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus