Tasmanian blue gum Eucalyptus globulus
Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Tasmania and south-east Australia. It grows 20–50 m (66–164 ft) tall and 10–20 m (33–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Tasmanian blue gum in your garden →
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Tasmanian blue gum at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 m (66–164 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 209–313 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tasmania and south-east Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
| Invasive in | California, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Chile, Hawaii: check local rules before planting |
Is Tasmanian blue gum toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, eucalyptus oil
Leaves are toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA); swallowing eucalyptus oil is dangerous for people, especially children.
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 Tasmanian blue gum
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
Questions about Tasmanian blue gum
- How far apart should I plant Tasmanian blue gum?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 m (33–66 ft).
- Does Tasmanian blue gum need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tasmanian blue gum need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tasmanian blue gum?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Tasmanian blue gum flower?
- About 209–313 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Tasmanian blue gum poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people severely toxic. Leaves are toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA); swallowing eucalyptus oil is dangerous for people, especially children.
- What grows well with Tasmanian blue gum?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tasmanian blue gum. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Blue, round juvenile leaves turn to long green sickles; oil-rich bark and leaf litter burn fiercely, so keep it well away from houses in fire country.
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
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium