Eucalyptus gunnii – cider gum – Myrtaceae

Class notes: Australian tree/shrub. Distinct flowers and petals/sepals. Opposite without petiols when young. However, turn to alternate when an adult/tree. Has to be grown when young otherwise, it is very fragile and usually dies when it is transplanted. Thus, it is not found in nurseries often because it is not productive time/money wise for them to sell it. Blue wax on leaf. Grows 2 metres a year/fast.

Site/Notes: Evergreen shrub/tree. Fast growing. Attractive bark. They can grow up to 1metre or more in the first year. Hardy to -18. Easy to care for. Can grow huge – up to 121 ft when mature. But generally 80ft tall and 30ft spread. Shaded spots will restrict the growth. Loamy or Chalky well drained, moist soil but will not tolerate wet sites.  Sweet foliage is eagerly eaten by livestock. July to August flowering.

Aesthetic: The ochre colour contrasted by the blue foliage is striking. This is an underused plant that could add a ghostly illumination to the landscape. The fact that it gets so huge would be a challenge. (10 years = 10 metres)