Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
Cider gum (eucalyptus) (Eucalyptus gunnii) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Tasmania, Australia (central highlands). It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Cider gum (eucalyptus) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cider gum (eucalyptus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tasmania, Australia (central highlands) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Cider gum (eucalyptus) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: foliage, leaf oil
Eucalyptus oil is toxic if swallowed and causes vomiting, drooling and weakness in pets (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cider gum (eucalyptus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
- avoid With Lettuce: Eucalyptus leaf litter and volatile oils inhibit seed germination and seedling growth of other plants in laboratory and field studies; effects in gardens are likely local and under the canopy. Evidence C
See Cider gum (eucalyptus) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (2 plants)
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (1 plants)
Questions about Cider gum (eucalyptus)
- How far apart should I plant Cider gum (eucalyptus)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does Cider gum (eucalyptus) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cider gum (eucalyptus) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Cider gum (eucalyptus)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Cider gum (eucalyptus) flower?
- From about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cider gum (eucalyptus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Eucalyptus oil is toxic if swallowed and causes vomiting, drooling and weakness in pets (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Cider gum (eucalyptus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cider gum (eucalyptus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- The hardiest eucalypt and widely grown in cool temperate gardens; often coppiced yearly to keep the juvenile silver-blue rounded leaves.
- Fast-growing (up to 1 m a year) with shallow roots; can fall in wind or wet soil.
- Oily foliage burns readily in wildfire.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium
- Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) Metrosideros excelsa