Cider Gum / Silver Mountain Gum
Eucalyptus gunnii
An evergreen tree known for its striking juvenile foliage, which consists of silvery-blue, rounded, stalkless leaves arranged in opposite pairs on stems. As the tree matures, these give way to longer, sickle-shaped green leaves.
- Light
- Full sun, at least 6–8 hours per day
- Water
- Moderate watering when young; once established, it is notably drought-tolerant. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid waterlogging which causes root rot.
- Growth
- Large evergreen tree, fast-growing, 10–25m tall in the wild, but often kept as a shrub via pollarding.
Care instructions
Requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is relatively easy to care for once established. Prune regularly (typically in early spring) if you wish to maintain the round juvenile foliage often used in floral arrangements. Apply a balanced fertilizer once per year in spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, at least 6–8 hours per day
Watering
Moderate watering when young; once established, it is notably drought-tolerant. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid waterlogging which causes root rot.
Soil
Well-draining, loamy or sandy soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 8–11; one of the hardier Eucalyptus species, tolerant down to -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F).
Growth habit
Large evergreen tree, fast-growing, 10–25m tall in the wild, but often kept as a shrub via pollarding.
Bloom season
Summer; produces small, white, fluffy clusters of flowers (umbels).
Propagation
Propagated mainly by seed in spring. Cuttings are notoriously difficult to root.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to Eucalyptus psyllids, gall wasps, and silver leaf fungus. Poor drainage is the most common cause of death (root rot).
Similar species
Eucalyptus pulverulenta (Baby Blue) – similar silver leaves but smaller habit; Eucalyptus globulus – much larger and less cold-hardy with different juvenile leaf shapes.