Cider gum (Eucalyptus gunnii) is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a tree that grows fast, provides shade, and adds a bit of privacy to your garden. It’s got an elegant look with blue-green leaves, and it’s tough enough to handle different weather conditions. Whether you’re after a natural screen for your outdoor space or a quick way to create a shaded retreat, this tree has plenty to offer.
Rapid Growth and Privacy Benefits
One of the biggest reasons people plant cider gum is its speed. This tree shoots up quickly, sometimes growing over a metre per year. That makes it a great option if you don’t want to wait decades for a mature garden. If you’ve got nosy neighbours or just want to create a more secluded spot, a row of cider gums can form a beautiful, dense barrier in just a few years.
The foliage is thick, which helps block views and reduces noise. It’s a more natural alternative to fences or walls, and it changes throughout the year, giving your garden a bit of variety. The young leaves have a silvery-blue tint, which looks great in all seasons. As the tree matures, the leaves turn a deeper green, but regular pruning can maintain that striking blue shade.
A Reliable Source of Shade
Cider gum isn’t just about privacy. It’s also a great tree for shade, especially in gardens that get a lot of sun. The canopy spreads out nicely, creating a cooling effect that makes outdoor spaces more comfortable in the summer. If you’re someone who enjoys relaxing outside but doesn’t want to be exposed to the full glare of the sun, planting one of these trees can make a big difference.
Shade from trees like this also helps protect other plants. Delicate flowers or vegetables that struggle in direct sun can thrive in the dappled shade of a cider gum. Plus, the leaves release a fresh, eucalyptus scent that adds to the garden’s atmosphere.
Low Maintenance and Hardy
Not all fast-growing trees are easy to care for, but cider gum doesn’t demand much. It handles a variety of soil types, though it does best in well-drained soil. It’s also fairly drought-resistant once established, which is useful if you don’t want to be watering it constantly.
Regular pruning can help keep the tree at a manageable size. Left alone, it can reach over 20 metres, which might be more than you bargained for. But if you trim it back now and then, you can shape it into a smaller tree or even a multi-stemmed shrub. Coppicing cutting it back to near ground level encourages bushier growth and helps maintain a more compact form.
Adapting to Different Climates
Cider gum is a tough tree. Originally from Tasmania, it’s used to dealing with varying conditions. It can handle frost, making it a solid choice for colder regions. In milder areas, it thrives without any trouble at all. Even strong winds don’t bother it much, which is why it’s often planted in exposed spots where other trees might struggle.
That said, if you live in an area with very wet soil, it’s worth improving drainage before planting. While it tolerates different conditions, it prefers soil that isn’t constantly waterlogged.
Wildlife and Biodiversity Benefits
Another reason to plant cider gum is the way it supports wildlife. Bees love the nectar from its flowers, which appear in late summer and autumn. If you’re looking to attract more pollinators to your garden, this tree is a great addition. Birds also find shelter in its branches, adding more life to your outdoor space.
Because the leaves are high in essential oils, they have a natural resistance to pests, which means you won’t have to worry too much about insect damage. However, if you’re planting other species nearby, keep an eye on how they react some plants don’t do well close to eucalyptus trees due to the oils in the leaves affecting the soil.
Choosing the Right Spot
Since cider gum grows fast and tall, it’s worth thinking about where you plant it. If you’re using it as a privacy screen, space the trees out by a couple of metres to allow them to spread properly. If you’re planting a single tree for shade, make sure it’s not too close to buildings, as the roots can be quite vigorous.
If you have a smaller garden, regular pruning will be key to keeping it under control. Left unchecked, it can become a bit too dominant, but with a little effort, it can fit into most spaces beautifully.