Cider Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii)

Eucalyptus gunnii is a new species in our range. They have been freshly potted to 140mm and will be available in mid-September for release. Pre-orders are open.

Eucalyptus gunnii, commonly known as Cider Gum, is a fast-growing evergreen tree endemic to Tasmania. The florist-foliage industry often uses juvenile silver foliage in bouquets and flower arrangements. The young foliage can be cut back to retain the silver, rounded, glaucous, grey foliage. As with most Eucalypts, the leaves become longer and more slender in shape with maturity. The current batch is newly potted from tube stock, and the roots will take a few months to stabilise.

Here is some helpful information for growing this plant:

Tree Height and Spread: Eucalyptus gunnii can grow up to 60 feet (18 meters) in height and has a spread of up to 40 feet (12 meters). It has a narrow, upright growth habit and a dense canopy of foliage. The tree can live for several decades and is known for its attractive bark and silver-green foliage.

Preferred Soil Type: Eucalyptus gunnii prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy in texture. It can tolerate many soil types, including clay soils, but will not grow well in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils. It prefers slightly acidic soils to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.

Soil pH: Eucalyptus gunnii prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but will not grow well in highly acidic or alkaline soils. It is essential to monitor the soil pH and adjust as needed to maintain the appropriate conditions for growth.

Light Requirements: Eucalyptus gunnii is a plant that requires full sun to thrive. It will not perform well in shaded areas or less than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It may benefit from some protection from the hottest part of the day in areas with hot summers.

Water Requirements: Eucalyptus gunnii is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with little water once established. However, it will perform best if it receives regular watering during the growing season. Watering the tree deeply and infrequently rather than giving it frequent shallow watering is essential. This will encourage the roots to grow deep and help to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Fertiliser Requirements: Eucalyptus gunnii is a plant that does not require much fertiliser. It can be fertilised once or twice yearly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. However, over-fertilisation can lead to excessive growth and reduced stress tolerance. It is best to avoid fertilising the plant during winter when growth is slow.

Pruning Requirements: Eucalyptus gunnii requires little pruning, but it may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the tree begins to put out new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Eucalyptus gunnii is a relatively pest-free tree. However, it can be susceptible to borers and other pests if stressed due to drought or other factors. To prevent this problem, providing adequate water and avoiding over-fertilisation is essential. Cider Gum can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, which can be controlled through proper pruning and management.

In conclusion, Eucalyptus gunnii is a hardy, attractive tree well-suited to various growing conditions. Proper care can provide a beautiful, long-lived addition to the landscape for many years. By providing well-drained soil, full sunlight and avoiding over-fertilisation, you can help your Cider Gum tree thrive and offer a beautiful and natural addition to your property.