tree

Cider Gum

The Story

Plant Bio

Eucalyptus gunnii, known as the cider gum, is an evergreen Tasmanian tree reaching up to 25 metres in wild conditions, distinguished by its smooth, mottled bark that peels in long ribbons. The species is highly cold-tolerant, producing axillary clusters of three white flowers primarily during the summer months.

This species features a pronounced foliage transition, where rounded, glaucous blue-grey juvenile leaves eventually give way to alternate, lance-shaped adult foliage. It develops a lignotuber at the base, allowing it to regenerate if damaged or heavily coppiced.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking display of peeling, mottled bark and highly decorative glaucous blue-grey juvenile foliage.

Yields long-lasting juvenile foliage highly valued in floral arrangements, and serves as a windbreak in cool climates.

Attracts native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding birds, while providing shelter for arboreal marsupials.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

984 inches

Width

393 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Tasmania, Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, though heavier clay or temporarily wet ground is tolerated.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Do not prune mature trees back into thick, leafless woody branches; standard tree forms lack epicormic buds on old wood and will fail to resprout if cut past the green foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during extended dry periods to maintain soil moisture.
Coppice or pollard young trees annually if you wish to maintain a constant supply of rounded, silver-blue juvenile foliage.
Protect young trees from possums and cockatoos using physical guards.

Don't

Do not prune mature specimens back into old, bare wood as they may fail to resprout.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers, even though the species is not strictly phosphorus-sensitive.
Do not plant in stagnant, waterlogged muck where water remains completely still.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

WindbreakSpecimen TreeFoliage HarvestScreening

Companion Plants

Leptospermum lanigerum Westringia fruticosa Poa labillardierei

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cider Gum questions

What zones can Cider Gum grow in?

Cider Gum is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Cider Gum bloom?

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

Does Cider Gum need full sun?

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

Is Cider Gum drought tolerant?

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