Eucalyptus lacrimans, commonly known as the Weeping Snow Gum, is a standout among alpine eucalypts thanks to its graceful, pendulous habit and striking smooth bark.
Unlike many upright gums, this species develops a soft, weeping canopy that gives it strong ornamental appeal in residential landscapes.
Native to the cold, elevated regions around Adaminaby in southern NSW, it’s particularly valued for its frost tolerance and ability to handle cold, wet winters—something many other eucalypts struggle with.
Its combination of elegant form, peeling white-grey bark, and manageable size makes it one of the more garden-friendly snow gums for temperate and cool-climate planting.
Key Features
- Height: Typically 6–10 m, often smaller in cultivation
- Width: 3–5 m spread with a naturally weeping canopy
- Foliage: Mid to deep green, narrow and pendulous
- Bark: Smooth white to pale grey, shedding in fine strips
- Flowers: Small, white flowers in spring to summer
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and nectar-feeding birds
- Tolerance: High frost tolerance, moderate drought tolerance once established
How To grow Eucalyptus lacrimans – Basic Care
A well drained soil and a sunny position are essential. Being an alpine plant, Eucalyptus lacrimans will tolerate wet winters, however is does not grow well in wet humid summers.
Light
Full sun is essential for healthy growth and canopy development. Shaded plants tend to become sparse and lose their characteristic form.
Soil
Prefers well-drained soils, ideally sandy loam or light clay. Unlike many lowland eucalypts, it tolerates heavier soils as long as drainage is excellent.
Climate Sensitivity
This is where Eucalyptus lacrimans differs from many others in the genus:
- Thrives in cool to cold climates
- Handles wet winters with ease
- Struggles in hot, humid summer conditions, especially in coastal or tropical zones
In warmer climates like parts of coastal NSW or QLD, it may decline due to humidity stress.
Maintenance & Care
Watering
- Moderate water during establishment
- Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant, but performs best with occasional deep watering in extended dry periods
Pruning
This is a species that has a lignotuber, and it can be pruned back hard. This makes it a useful garden plant as pruning creates attractive new foliage as well as maintaining a smaller size.
Eucalyptus lacrimans responds very well to pruning due to its lignotuber:
- Can be pruned hard to control size or rejuvenate growth
- Regular pruning encourages denser foliage and enhances the weeping habit
- Best done in late winter to early spring
Fertiliser
- Generally not required in native soils
- Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers
Propagation
Generally from seeds.
Landscaping Uses
This species is particularly useful where a softer, more architectural eucalypt is desired:
- Feature or specimen tree in small to medium gardens
- Informal screening with character
- Native or alpine-style landscapes
- Suitable for larger suburban blocks where height needs to be managed
Its weeping form contrasts well with more upright natives.
Companion Planting
Pair Eucalyptus lacrimans with plants that thrive in similar cool, well-drained conditions:
- Low-growing natives like Grevillea, Correa, and Westringia
- Alpine or cool-climate grasses such as Poa and Lomandra
- Groundcovers like Myoporum parvifolium for weed suppression
Avoid dense underplanting near the trunk to maintain airflow and reduce humidity stress
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Eucalyptus lacrimans
- Common Names – Weeping Snow Gum
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To 10 metres usually smaller.
- Spread – To 3 – 5 metres .
- Flowers – Small and white.
- Flowering time – From spring to summer.
- Foliage – Mid to deep green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
Other Snow Gums Include
