How to Grow Eucalyptus Gunnii Trees

Overview

The Eucalyptus gunnii, or Cider Gum, tree has bluish-green leaves and blooms small white flowers from April through June. Native to Southern Australia, the Eucalyptus gunnii can grow up to 40 feet tall. Its leaves are heavily fragrant when crushed. Even the bark on the Eucalyptus tree is fragrant and attractive, with a green and white coloring and smooth texture. This tree can grow up to 6 feet each year and is drought-tolerant. It can be planted outdoors in slightly warmer climates, such as USDA Hardiness zones 7 through 11, with minimum annual temperatures no colder than 0 to 5 degrees F. Also, it can be planted and grown in a container, keeping it smaller with vigorous pruning.

How to Plant the Eucalyptus Gunnii Tree

Step 1

Select a planting site for the Eucalyptus gunnii tree that receives full or partial sunlight and is in a well-draining area. Amend the soil with peat moss and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage, if needed.

Step 2

Dig a planting hole at the selected site that is twice the width and twice the depth of the Eucalyptus tree's root ball. Place the tree's root ball into the planting hole and stand the tree up straight.

Step 3

Backfill the planting hole with the displaced soil. Gently firm the soil around the root ball to eliminate any air pockets.

Step 4

Water the soil around the tree after planting. Moisten the soil below the depth of the root ball.

How to Care for the Eucalyptus Gunnii Tree

Step 1

Water the Eucalyptus gunnii tree once or twice per week, depending on the weather conditions, to supplement rainfall. Water the soil around the tree lightly to moisten it when the top 1 inch or so of soil becomes dry.

Step 2

Feed the Eucalyptus tree once each month during the growing season with a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium). Follow the dosage and application instructions on the package.

Step 3

Prune away any dead, damaged or diseased growth from the Eucalyptus tree during the dormant winter season. Perform heavier pruning to limit the tree's size by cutting away at least half of each year's new growth if the tree is container-grown.