Eucalyptus gunnii

Natural range and habitat of Eucalyptus gunnii

Eucalyptus gunnii is native to Tasmania.

It grows in cool highland and subalpine woodland, where the ground below can be grassy, sedgy, ferny or boggy.

Growing Eucalyptus gunnii outdoors

• Garden position: Plant it in full sun with enough room for a developing tree.
• Soil: Well-drained garden soil supports long-term growth. In a pot, use a soil-based peat-free mix with added grit for weight and drainage.
• Water after planting: Give newly planted trees deep water during dry spells until the roots settle. Potted trees need deep, more frequent watering during warm weather.
• Hardiness: The species is hardy to around −15 to −10°C in suitable garden conditions. Protect roots in containers during severe cold and shelter young shoots from exposed winter wind.
• Repotting: Repot into a larger, stable container when roots wrap around the pot wall or the root ball starts drying very quickly after watering.
• Feeding: Use a moderate balanced feed for container trees while they are growing.
• Pruning: Shape young trees before branches become thick. A strong cut in late winter to early spring encourages another crop of round young leaves.

When Eucalyptus gunnii needs help

• Young leaves wilt or curl in a sunny pot: A sunny container can lose moisture quickly. Water deeply if the mix is dry and check the pot more often during warm weather.
• Lower leaves yellow while the mix remains wet: Constantly wet soil can weaken the roots. Clear any blocked drainage and wait for some surface drying before watering deeply again.
• Fresh shoot tips brown after severe cold or exposed wind: Frost or cold drying wind can damage tender tips. Wait until the damage is clear, then prune back to healthy wood.
• New leaves become distorted or develop raised swellings: Eucalyptus sucker or gall wasp can distort fresh leaves. Inspect the affected shoots and remove heavily damaged young growth if needed.

Eucalyptus gunnii is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs that may chew it.
• Its aromatic oils can irritate the mouth and digestive tract and may affect the rest of the body.
• Swallowing plant material may cause drooling, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or unusual behaviour. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

About the name Eucalyptus gunnii

Eucalyptus comes from Greek words meaning “well covered”, a reference to the operculum over each unopened flower bud. The epithet gunnii commemorates Ronald Campbell Gunn.

Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle established the genus Eucalyptus in 1789 in Sertum Anglicum, page 18.

Joseph Dalton Hooker first described Eucalyptus gunnii in 1844 in London Journal of Botany, volume 3, page 499.