| Botanic name | Eucalyptus gunnii |
| Other names | Cider Gum |
| Main Origin | Tasmania, Australia |
| Mature size | 8 – 10 m x 10 – 25 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Upright with a conical or rounded canopy |
| Foliage | Round, elliptical or spear-shaped, silvery blue or blue-green |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Adapts to most soils |
| Water | Regular deep watering during extended dry periods |
| Climate | Alpine, temperate, Mediterranean, mild subtropical |
| Flower | Cream-white, summer and autumn |
| Use | Feature tree, shrub, hedging, screening, container planting |
| Notes | Exceptional cold tolerance |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Eucalyptus gunnii, commonly known as the cider gum due to its sweet sap, is a fast-growing, cold-hardy eucalyptus species native to Tasmania. It is widely admired for its striking silvery-blue juvenile foliage, which is often used in floral arrangements.
Highly adaptable, this tree thrives in various soils and climates, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens in residential and public spaces.
While Eucalyptus gunnii is a majestic species with a towering height, it has varieties that offer alternative forms and sizes suitable for different landscaping needs.
Origin and distribution
Eucalyptus gunnii is endemic to Tasmania, where it occurs in grassy, open woodlands on plains, hillsides, mountainous slopes, and plateaus. Its most notable attribute is the ability to thrive in cold, windswept highlands.
The species is commonly found on the edges of treeless flats or hollows. These sites are often poorly drained and frost-prone.
While this tree is widespread in the highland regions of Tasmania, Miena Cider Gum (subsp. divaricarta) is an endangered subspecies with a restricted distribution in the Central Plateau.
Growth and care
Eucalyptus gunnii thrives in full sun and a cool, temperate climate. This species is highly cold tolerant and can withstand temperatures to -15°C. While it can handle some heat and humidity, it performs best in milder climates.
This fast-growing tree is drought-tolerant and can withstand extended periods of dryness. Occasional deep watering is beneficial, as long periods of dryness without moisture can cause leaf drop. Young or newly planted trees require regular watering until a strong root system is developed.
Eucalyptus gunnii naturally grows on well-drained rocky soils or intermittently water-logged or marshy soils. It can adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 – 7.5).
The plant tolerates periodic boggy conditions, especially when it is juvenile. However, permanent waterlogging is not ideal as it can lead to root rot in the long term. If planted in heavy clay, amend the soil with compost or coarse grit to improve drainage.
This species adapts well to nutrient-poor soils; however, the tree can benefit from moderately fertile soil for lusher foliage development. Adding organic matter while planting and a light application of balanced fertiliser in the growing season can often suffice.
With a fast growth rate of 1.5 metres per year, left unpruned, this tree can grow to a towering height of up to 25 metres as a beautiful specimen tree. However, such a height can overwhelm a smaller space.
Due to the lignotuber and epicormic growth, the tree responds well to hard pruning. Pruning the plant hard to the base (coppicing) in early spring can encourage the development of a multi-stemmed shrub form for a feature bush or hedge.
Alternatively, if a small tree is desired, consider cutting back the stem(s) at a higher point (pollarding). Prune regularly to manage its size and shape in a smaller garden. The cut juvenile foliage can be utilised for the floral display.
Features
Eucalyptus gunnii is a striking tree known for its rapid growth and ornamental appeal. The tree can grow to a height of 12 – 25 metres and a spread of 8 – 10 metres, with a dense, conical canopy.
It has smooth, mottled bark that peels off to reveal shades of cream, green, grey, or light brown, adding year-round visual interest.
The prominent feature of this plant is its eye-catching, aromatic foliage, which is highly valued in floral arrangements and garden design. They are small, round, and a striking silvery-blue colour, giving the tree a soft, almost frosted appearance.
When inspected closely, these waxy leaves are developed in pairs and equally spaced along the stems, often with alternate right-angle orientations, creating a neat and symmetrical look, akin to Eucalyptus pulverulenta (Silver-leaved Mountain Gum).
As the tree matures, the foliage becomes alternate, spear-shaped, and blue-green. Small white flowers appear in clusters from summer to autumn, followed by barrel-shaped gum nuts.
In landscaping, Eucalyptus gunnii is highly versatile. Left unpruned, its majestic form is perfect for feature planting in larger gardens. In contrast, regular hard pruning allows the species to maintain the manageable size of a shrub or small tree while keeping its juvenile leaves.
Eucalyptus gunnii varieties
Eucalyptus gunnii subsp. divaricata (Miena Cider Gum)
Miena Cider Gum (syn. Eucalyptus ‘Silver Drop’) is a rare subspecies that can reach a height of 10 – 15 metres, with a rounder, more branched canopy.
This tree responds superbly to pruning and often retains more juvenile leaves as it matures. The foliage is also slightly smaller but broader, with a stronger silvery hue.
Eucalyptus gunnii cultivars
These smaller cultivars are popular ornamentals in colder regions abroad, including the British Isles and parts of Western Europe.
Eucalyptus gunnii ‘France bleu’: A dwarf bushy cultivar that can reach a maximum height of 2 metres, highly suitable for container planting.
Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’: Grows to 4 – 6 metres in height and 2.5 – 4 metres in width, with a more compact, bushier habit and more intense silvery-blue foliage.
Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Silverana’: A slower-growing variety that can reach 10 – 12 metres and can be easily maintained as a small tree.
FAQs
Can you grow Eucalyptus gunnii in pots?
Yes. You can grow Eucalyptus gunnii in pots, especially when selecting smaller and compact varieties like ‘Silver Drop’ (Miena Cider Gum). To ensure success, choose a large, sturdy pot with good drainage.
Water regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, it can tolerate some drought. Prune young plants regularly to maintain a manageable size and promote bushier growth.
Fertilise sparingly in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to promote growth and foliage development. Potted Eucalyptus gunnii can be moved indoors during harsh winters, especially in colder climates, but ensure it still gets plenty of light.
How fast does Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ grow?
Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ has a moderate growth rate at a 60 – 90 cm length increase per year, reaching its maximum height in 8 – 10 years.
