Cider Gum Eucalyptus Hedging – Eucalyptus Gunnii Cider Gum

Eucalyptus Gunnii, commonly known as the Cider Gum tree, is an incredibly versatile and fast-growing plant, particularly popular in the UK for creating a dense and aromatic hedge. As a hedging plant, the Eucalyptus Gunnii brings to the garden an attractive, year-round green-blue foliage that not only delivers an eye-catching aesthetic but also offers a pleasant, distinctive aroma that can truly transform any outdoor space.

The ability to grow under diverse climatic conditions and to flourish even in poor soils enhances its popularity. Its rapid growth habit and responsiveness to pruning make it an ideal choice for hedges, providing an evergreen screen that offers privacy and wind protection. When pruned annually, it stays bushy from the ground up, forming a thick, impenetrable barrier. The high-quality wood is also resistant to rot, further enhancing its longevity.

In terms of its contribution to the landscape, the Cider Gum’s characteristic peeling bark and the unique silvery-blue leaves provide an added element of texture and colour. The distinctive foliage, which retains its vibrant hue throughout the year, provides a striking contrast to the more typical greenery found in British gardens, making it a feature that stands out.

The Eucalyptus Gunnii also offers benefits to local wildlife. Its flowers provide a valuable nectar source during the summer months, attracting bees and other pollinating insects, while the dense foliage can offer shelter to a range of bird species. Despite being a non-native species, this Eucalyptus plays a vital role in supporting the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.

Compared to other Eucalyptus species, the Eucalyptus Gunnii stands out for its cold hardiness. It is more tolerant of frost and harsh winter conditions than many of its counterparts, making it a more reliable choice for UK gardens. The round, silver-blue juvenile leaves are another distinctive trait, compared to the elongated mature leaves of other species.