A very variable and versatile species, Eucalyptus gunnii is commonly called the Cider Gum. This is a plant that can reach great heights, however is usually grown as a smaller tree or shrubby tree.
With very attractive rounded juvenile foliage the plant is very popular with florists as a backing plant. The common name of Cider Gum comes from the sap which is sweet and can be fermented.
This species is from Tasmania, and it grows very well in cold climates. It can be grown in pots and containers, and growing it with a restricted root space will slow the growth. however, over time it will outgrow the pot.
In most cases it is coppiced so that it maintains the rounded juvenile foliage rather than the elongated mature foliage.
Care
This is an excellent Eucalyptus for cold climates and wet soils. It is remarkably tolerant. Once established it requires very little care, and the decision to prune depends on how you want the tree to look.
Like Eucalyptus latens Moon Lagoon, it is usually coppiced if grown for the foliage. If grown as a small tree it is not pruned.
It grows well in the UK as well as through Europe where it is grown both for the foliage as well as a wood lot tree.
Eucalyptus gunnii Propagation
The method of propagation is from seed.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Cider Gum, Silverdrop Gum.
- Botanical Name – Eucalyptus gunnii
- Family – Myrtaceae
- Soil – Well drained to moist. This species will tolerate periods of wet or boggy soils.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Foliage – A good silver blue to green rounded foliage reverting to elongated with age.
- Flowers – Creamy white in winter to spring.
- Flowering time – Summer.
- Growth Rate – Fast to Medium.
- Height – To 25 metres, usually copied to around 3 metres or less
- Spread – Will spread to form a crown around 5 metres. Again less when copied.
- Root system – Non invasive.
- Frost tolerant – Frost tolerant.
- Drought tolerant – Once established it is drought tolerant
- Pruning – Regular pruning once established ensures that the attractive juvenile leaves are maintained