The 400 plus species of Eucalyptus include the world’s tallest broadleaves and fastest growing trees. Eucalyptus gunnii originating from the highlands of Tasmania and Australia is perhaps the best know and hardiest Gum Tree cultivated in the UK.

Like many plants from the South Pacific the foliage of Eucalyptus gunnii alters as the plant matures. Juvenile leaves are bright glaucous-blue, rounded even heart shaped and coveted by floral designers. Adult leaves elongate to an elliptic shape and has shades of silver, blue and green as they age. Another fine feature of the Cider Gum is its faking bark which peels in a variety of chalky shades including cream, green, brown and grey.

Despite providing a tropical atmosphere to gardens the Eucalyptus gunnii is an easy tree to grow. It is hardy in the UK and can be grown as a striking coppiced bush never exceeding a couple of meters high or can be let to fully develop into a towering majestic specimen that can go beyond 20 meters.

Received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1984

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Cider Gum
• Botanical Name: Eucalyptus gunnii
• Mature Height: 15-20m
• Key Features:
  • Evergreen
  • Patchwork flaking bark
  • Clusters of small white flowers
  • Easily be kept coppiced
  • Year round interest