tree

Spotted Gum

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia maculata, the spotted gum, is a tall, upright evergreen tree reaching fifty to one hundred feet in cultivation, distinguished by a straight, sculptural trunk with smooth, mottled bark that sheds in characteristic patches. The open canopy bears glossy, dark green lanceolate leaves that emerge with bronze and reddish-green flushes.

This species is highly valued for its striking, self-cleaning bark, which peels away in circular flakes to leave a mosaic of white, gray, and pinkish-blue depressions. Unlike many other Australian Myrtaceae, it is not highly sensitive to phosphorus and adapts readily to standard garden fertility.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a highly decorative, self-peeling mottled trunk and a sculptural, open canopy with attractive bronze new growth.

Serves as an excellent windbreak or large shade tree for spacious coastal and Mediterranean landscapes.

Provides nectar and pollen for generalist insect pollinators during the winter and spring blooming periods.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1181"

Width

590"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, well-drained loam or sandy soil, ensuring there are no underground utility lines nearby.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the soil flare at the base of the trunk level with the surrounding ground.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments or heavy fertilizers, tamping down gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting, and maintain consistent moisture during the first dry season until the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, leafless wood, as the bare timber lacks reliable epicormic buds and will fail to shoot. Plant this tree far from driveways, foundations, or underground pipes to accommodate its vigorous, wide-spreading root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Clear fallen seasonal bark strips and twigs periodically to keep the understory clean.
Protect young, newly planted trees from frost using burlap wraps or temporary shelters during their first winter.
Prune out low, crossing, or damaged branches while the tree is young to establish a clean, upright trunk.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay or low-lying sump areas where water pools after rain.
Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus fertilizers, as the tree performs best under low to moderate fertility.
Do not cut into old, bare wood when pruning, as it will not regenerate foliage.

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 TreeShade TreeWindbreakCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus cinerea Quercus virginiana Rosmarinus officinalis Westringia fruticosa

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.

Is Spotted Gum deer resistant?

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

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.