tree

Ghost Gum

Corymbia aparrerinja

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia aparrerinja, the ghost gum, is an erect evergreen tree native to the arid interior of Central Australia, known for its stark white, powdery bark that sheds in thin patches. The crown carries lanceolate, glossy green leaves that contrast sharply with the smooth, pale trunk and branches.

This species develops a prominent basal lignotuber from which it can regenerate, and it produces small, white flowers in branched terminal clusters during the summer. The tree grows along dry creek beds and rocky slopes, adapting to extreme heat and prolonged dry spells.

Uses & Benefits:

Stark white powdery bark and glossy green foliage provide dramatic year-round architectural interest.

Excellent windbreak and shade provider for arid, high-heat xeriscapes.

Summer flowers provide nectar for visiting insects and occasional hummingbirds in North American landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

780"

Width

590"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-draining sandy or gravelly soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the crown level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill without adding organic amendments or high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the sensitive root system.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a minimal watering schedule, allowing the substrate to dry completely between applications.

Pro Tip

Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches during dry weather; cutting heavily into old, leafless wood results in slow, unreliable epicormic recovery.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, using gravel or sand amendments in heavier soils.
Protect young trees from frost using burlap or temporary covers during their first few winters.

Don't

Do not overwater, as wet soil rapidly induces Phytophthora or Pythium root rot.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus commercial fertilizers.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeXeriscapingWindbreakShade tree

Companion Plants

Artemisia tridentata Nolina microcarpa Hesperaloe parviflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ghost Gum questions

What zones can Ghost Gum grow in?

Ghost 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 Ghost Gum deer resistant?

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

When does Ghost Gum bloom?

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

Does Ghost Gum need full sun?

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

Is Ghost Gum drought tolerant?

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