Eucalyptus gunnii Care Guide

Eucalyptus gunnii, known as the Cider Gum, is a fast-growing evergreen tree valued for its silvery-blue juvenile leaves, aromatic fragrance, and striking peeling bark. Popular for modern gardens and flower arranging, it can be grown as a tall feature tree, kept smaller with pruning, or coppiced for dense, colourful foliage. Hardy and adaptable, it thrives in a wide range of garden settings and delivers year-round structure with minimal fuss.

Planting & Position

Getting the planting right helps your Eucalyptus gunnii settle and grow strongly.

• Light requirements:

  • Loves full sun and needs an open, bright site to thrive.

• Shelter:

  • Best in a sheltered or semi-sheltered spot to protect young growth from harsh wind.

• Soil:

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but adapts to most types — sandy, loam, or light clay.

  • Avoid waterlogged conditions.

  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.

• Planting time:

  • Best planted in spring or early autumn, when soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

• Spacing & size:

  • Can reach 10–15 m tall if left unpruned; allow plenty of space.

  • For smaller gardens, plant and prune annually to maintain a compact form.

• Container growing:

  • Young plants can be grown in large pots for several years, but long-term growth is best in the ground.

  • Use loam-based compost (John Innes No.3) with added grit for drainage.

Care & Maintenance

Though vigorous and hardy, Eucalyptus gunnii benefits from seasonal attention to stay healthy and attractive.

• Watering:

  • Water well during the first year while roots establish.

  • Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering in prolonged dry spells.

  • Container plants need regular watering in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth and foliage.

  • Container trees benefit from monthly liquid feeding during the growing season.

• Pruning & shaping:

  • Coppice (cut back hard to a low framework) each spring if you want bushy, juvenile foliage for flower arranging.

  • For a tree form, prune lightly in late winter or early spring to control height and shape.

  • Always use sharp, clean tools and avoid heavy pruning after midsummer.

• Mulching:

  • Apply bark, leaf mould, or compost in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

• Pests & diseases:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free.

  • Occasional leaf scorch may occur in very dry, exposed sites.

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland once established (down to around -14°C).

  • Protect very young trees in severe frost with fleece or mulch at the base.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

Cider Gum is both ornamental and practical, adding year-round colour and structure.

• Feature tree:

  • Striking in lawns or large borders, with silvery foliage and attractive peeling bark.

  • Perfect for modern, architectural gardens.

• Cut foliage:

  • Highly valued for floristry — juvenile leaves last well in arrangements.

• Screening & shelter:

  • Fast growth and dense foliage make it effective for screening or windbreaks.

• Seasonal interest:

  • Spring–summer: Fresh blue-grey juvenile leaves add cool-toned colour.

  • Autumn–winter: Mature bark peels to reveal cream, brown, and grey patterns for year-round beauty.

• Wildlife value:

  • Flowers (when allowed to mature) attract bees and other pollinators.

In summary: Eucalyptus gunnii is a hardy, fast-growing evergreen that’s as beautiful as it is versatile. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot, water while young, mulch annually, and prune to control height or encourage fresh foliage. Whether grown as a feature tree or cut back for floral stems, it’s a low-maintenance, long-lived addition that brings fragrance, year-round colour, and structure to any garden.

• Size
  10 lt

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