Eucalyptus gunnii

Common name: Cider Gum

Description: Eucalyptus gunnii is one of the hardiest eucalyptus for UK gardens, grown for its beautiful, aromatic silver-blue juvenile foliage and its striking peeling, grey-green bark. When cut back hard each spring — a technique known as coppicing — it produces a continuous flush of the rounder, more ornamental juvenile leaves that are so prized for cutting and floral arrangements. Left to grow freely, it develops into an elegant, fast-growing tree. The foliage has a distinctive eucalyptus fragrance and works beautifully in contemporary planting schemes.

Other benefits: aromatic foliage, excellent for cutting, fast-growing, attractive bark

Wildlife attraction: bees and insects visit the flowers; mature trees provide nesting sites for birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 8m x 5m (unpruned); 2m x 2m (coppiced annually)

Position: full sun; sheltered from cold winds

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid; adaptable

Moisture: well-drained; drought tolerant once established

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -14°C