Eucalyptus gunnii 'Blue Ice'

Trees

Fast growing, highly ornamental, evergreen tree, about 25m tall, one of the most cold tolerant for northern hemisphere gardens. Flaking cream to grey bark sheds to leave a smooth, yellowish patchy surface, weathering to white, green and pinkish-grey. Highly aromatic foliage, the juvenile leaves to 7cm long, a much stronger blue than the typical species. The adult leaves are grey-green and 8cm long. White flowers are produced from mid to late summer and followed by cylindrical, woody fruits

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Eucalyptus are evergreen trees or large shrubs, often fast-growing, some with attractive bark, most with aromatic foliage, and clusters of small, white, yellow or red flowers
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds especially when young. Tolerant of wet soils. See eucalyptus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or, for best juvenile foliage, pruning group 7. Production of juvenile foliage is popular to cut for flower arranging either fresh or dried and can be maintained by regular hard pruning in early spring. See Eucalyptus: pruning for further advice

Pests

May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker

Diseases

May be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus