Shining Gum (Eucalyptus nitens)

Eucalyptus nitens 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 nitens, known as Shining Gum, is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to southeastern Australia. It is a tall Eucalypt tree species native to Victoria and eastern New South Wales. It has smooth greyish bark, sometimes with thin, rough bark near the base, lance-shaped adult leaves, flower buds in groups of seven or nine, white flowers and cup-shaped, barrel-shaped or cylindrical fruit.

It grows in wet forests and rainforest margins on fertile soils in cool, high-rainfall areas at high altitudes east of the Great Dividing Range, eastwards from the Blue Range, Mt Monda and Mt Torbreck. It is also found on the high tablelands and mountains of southern New South Wales. There are two widely disjunct populations at high altitudes at 1500m above sea level at Barrington Tops. It is an important plantation species commonly grown in Tasmania, New Zealand, Spain and Chile.

Here is some helpful information for growing this plant:

Tree Height and Spread: Eucalyptus nitens can grow up to 40 meters) in height and spread to 18 meters. In its native setting, it can reach heights between 70 and 90 metres, almost as tall as the Douglas Fir and Coastal Redwood. It has a straight, tall growth habit and a dense canopy of foliage. The tree can live for several decades and is known for its attractive bark and glossy green leaves.

Preferred Soil Type: Eucalyptus nitens prefers well-drained soils that are deep, fertile, and 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 nitens 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 nitens 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 nitens 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. It is essential to water the tree deeply and infrequently rather than giving it frequent shallow watering. This will encourage the roots to grow deep and help to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Fertiliser Requirements: Eucalyptus nitens 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 nitensrequires 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 nitens 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. Shining gum can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, which can be controlled through proper pruning and management.

In conclusion, Eucalyptus nitens 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 shining gum tree thrive and offer a beautiful and native addition to your property.