tree

Spotted Gum

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia maculata, commonly known as the spotted gum, is a large evergreen tree endemic to the open forests and woodlands of eastern Australia. It develops a straight, upright trunk with smooth, powdery bark that sheds in small polygonal flakes to reveal a mottled mosaic of white, grey, pink, and coppery-brown.

This species is distinguished by its dimorphic foliage, transitioning from rough, ovate juvenile leaves to smooth, narrow-lanceolate adult leaves. During winter and spring, it produces terminal clusters of white to cream flowers that provide a critical nectar source for native bees and honeyeaters.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a highly decorative mottled trunk with shedding bark in shades of pink, grey, and cream, topped by a lofty canopy.

Yields exceptionally hard, durable timber and serves as an effective windbreak or large-scale shade tree on rural properties.

Provides a vital winter and spring food source for native bees, insects, and nectar-feeding birds like honeyeaters.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1181 inches

Width

590 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, well-drained soil and ample clearance from overhead powerlines and underground infrastructure.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the trunk flare sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune into old, leafless wood, as epicormic buds can produce weak, structurally unsound regrowth that is prone to sudden branch drop.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water young trees deeply and regularly during their first summer to establish a deep root system.
Protect young saplings with physical tree guards if local possum or cockatoo pressure is high.
Perform formative pruning only when the tree is young to establish a strong, single-leader structure.

Don't

Do not plant this species close to houses, driveways, or pipes due to its massive mature size and invasive roots.
Do not prune mature trees heavily, as they do not tolerate hard cutting back into old wood.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers, even though the species is not highly sensitive, as standard native blends are safer.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeWindbreakShade TreeAvenue Planting

Companion Plants

Themeda triandra Lomandra longifolia Acacia implexa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spotted Gum questions

What zones can Spotted Gum grow in?

Spotted 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.

When does Spotted Gum bloom?

Spotted 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 Spotted Gum need full sun?

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

Is Spotted Gum drought tolerant?

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