Photo of Eucalyptus coccifera trunk by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Eucalyptus coccifera

Also Known As

  • Mount Wellington Peppermint
  • Tasmanian Snow Gum

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 60'
  • W: 30'

planting zones

  • 7b-10b

More Options

Eucalyptus coccifera plant details

Eucalyptus coccifera is a broadleaf evergreen tree with blue foliage. In summer cream flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Eucalyptus coccifera

Plant type: tree
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 30 FT wide, 60 FT tall
Flowers: cream blooms in summer
Uses: distinctive bark, fragrant foliage, tropical-looking, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Eucalyptus coccifera

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A wonderful selection native to the mountains of Tasmania, this 20-40' tree has lovely grey-green leaves that are tinged with bronze when young. The highly aromatic leaves are round when juvenile, the mature leaves are lance shaped, pretty creamy flowers appear in summer and the bark is a beautiful patchwork of silver and white with shades of pink and brown. This species takes well to pruning if creating a hedge is desired, it is also often coppiced for the harvest of the juvenile foliage for its use in flower arrangements. S/M
This species combines the best ornamental features of all eucalyptus: beautiful smooth mottled bark, small gracefully weeping leaves, and contorted branches. Sometimes you also get pale silvery-green adult leaves with silver stems, but they can also be green. All this on a tree that will not grow fast enough to scare you; it usually only grows 3-4' per year but can eventually reach 60' or more. It is also called 'Tasmanian Snow Gum,' referring to its contorted habit, smooth bark, and preference for extreme alpine habitats recalling the true snow gums of the mainland (the E. pauciflora group), though it is not closely related to these plants. This wind-tolerant species will appreciate a well drained, moist site in full sun. Although it inhabits the most hostile and windswept mountaintops of Tasmania, it is not found in some of the frost hollows, and thus is considered to be a little bit less cold hardy than the best forms of E. gunnii and E. urnigera. Still, it can endure temperatures down to about 5 °F when mature. A fine specimen of this species can be seen adjacent to the Graham Visitor Center parking lot at Seattle's Washington Park Arboretum. Leaves smell of peppermint. Tasmania.

Gardening facts about Eucalyptus coccifera plant

How to Grow Eucalyptus coccifera

  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Special Situation

    • wind tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Flower Color

    • cream
  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Texture

    • glaucous
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
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