Cider Gum

Eucalyptus gunnii, also known as the Cider Gum Tree, is a native of the highlands of Tasmania and Australia and was introduced to the UK in the mid-1850s. A winner of the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and 1950, this striking tree is also well suited to being grown as a multi-stemmed coppiced specimen.

A very well-known and very hardy eucalyptus, this large broadly pyramidal tree has smooth grey-pink to red-brown bark. The young leaves are grey-green and glaucous, providing a wonderful contrast to gardens and municipal landscapes.

For those florists amongst you the foliage is particularly good to compliment cut flower arrangements.

Cider Gum trees thrive on most soils.

When faced with selecting Eucalyptus, never be tempted to go for the biggest and probably most pot-bound. Strange physiology comes into play in that when Eucalyptus roots spiral, they tend to continue spiralling and are prone to falling over due to a lack of anchorage over time. This is a particular problem exasperated by trees grown in black pots.

Mature height: 15-20m

Common names

Cider Gum

Height of tree

20m+

Tree type

Evergreen

Soil type

Well drained

Shape

Broad

Foliage Colour

Silver/Green

Information Flags

Bark interest

Looks good in

Winter

Location

Garden, Parkland, Coastal

Genus

Eucalyptus