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Tasmanian Blue Gum

$32.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Eucalyptus globulus, the Tasmanian blue gum, is a massive, fast-growing evergreen tree characterized by its dual foliage phases and peeling ribbons of bark. Young specimens produce square, winged stems clad in silvery-blue, waxy leaves, which eventually give way to glossy, dark green, sickle-shaped adult foliage.

This species is distinguished by its solitary, heavily textured, four-ribbed flower buds that open into creamy white stamens during winter and spring. The subsequent woody, cup-shaped seed capsules and shedding bark strips create a distinct, highly aromatic litter layer beneath the canopy.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking contrast between silvery-blue juvenile foliage and dark green adult leaves, complemented by peeling bark.

Excellent for rapid windbreaks, soil stabilization, and timber production in large, open areas.

Provides rich nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and other insect pollinators in western North American landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1771"

Width

1181"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$32.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, well-draining soil, positioned far from foundations, pipes, and power lines.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the trunk flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, and maintain regular moisture during the first growing season to establish the root system.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never top a mature tree to control its size; this ruins the structural integrity, promotes weak epicormic sprouting, and invites decay.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide deep, infrequent watering once established to encourage deep root penetration.
Clear fallen bark, leaves, and seed capsules regularly to mitigate the significant fire hazard.
Ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not plant near buildings, septic lines, or hardscaping due to the aggressive, invasive root system.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, as native-style soils provide sufficient nutrients.
Do not top or heavily prune mature branches into old, leafless wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

WindbreakSpecimen treeCoastal plantingErosion control

Companion Plants

Quercus agrifolia Arbutus menziesii Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tasmanian Blue Gum questions

What zones can Tasmanian Blue Gum grow in?

Tasmanian Blue Gum 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.

Is Tasmanian Blue Gum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tasmanian Blue Gum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tasmanian Blue Gum bloom?

Tasmanian Blue Gum typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tasmanian Blue Gum need full sun?

Tasmanian Blue Gum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Tasmanian Blue Gum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tasmanian Blue Gum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.