Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora
Angophora costata
The Story
Plant Bio
Angophora costata, commonly known as the smooth-barked apple, is a large evergreen tree endemic to eastern Australia, where it naturally occurs on sandy soils and sandstone ridges. The species develops a broad, domed canopy supported by a characteristically gnarled, crooked trunk.
This species is distinguished from true eucalypts by its strictly opposite leaf arrangement and flowers that lack an operculum or bud cap. Its smooth bark sheds in spring to reveal a bright salmon-pink or orange-brown new surface before weathering to pale grey.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
1181 inches
Width
984 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Eastern Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a planting site in full sun with deep, well-drained sandy or sandstone-derived soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the surrounding soil is loose.
- Position the tree at its original soil level, backfill without adding soil amendments, and water in thoroughly.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Perform formative pruning early to establish a strong branch architecture, as mature wood is brittle and prone to sudden limb drop if left unmanaged.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water young trees regularly until established, especially during dry summer periods.
- Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly if soil fertility is exceptionally poor.
- Prune structurally while the tree is young to prevent weak crotches and brittle limbs.
Don't
- Do not plant near buildings, driveways, or overhead power lines due to the risk of sudden limb drop.
- Do not prune aggressively into old, leafless wood that lacks dormant buds.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as the root system requires excellent drainage.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora questions
What zones can Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora grow in?
Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora bloom?
Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora need full sun?
Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Angophora to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Smooth-barked Apple, Sydney Red Gum, Rusty Gum, Apple Myrtle, Smooth-barked Angophora with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.