HOW TO GROW THE TASMANIAN SNOW GUM - Eucalyptus coccifera

How to grow the Tasmanian Snow Gum - Eucalyptus coccifera

The Tasmanian Snow Gum - Eucalyptus coccifera, is a large, handsome, evergreen tree native to the subalpine regions of southern Tasmania. Also commonly known as the 'Mount Wellington Peppermint' it was introduced to western science in 1840, and named and described by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817 – 1911). Known for being Charles Darwin's closest friend, Hooker was considered to be one of the greatest British botanists and explorers of the 19th century.

How to grow the Tasmanian Snow Gum - Eucalyptus coccifera

Eucalyptus coccifera is a tall branching shrub or small tree, which under favorable conditions can be expected to grow up to 15 metres in height and with a width of up to 8 metres. It is noted for its ornamental leaves and stems, however this ornamentation is not apparent on juvenile plants. The petiolate and lanceolate leaves are usually a glaucous-green, with a crimson hook at its tip. The mottled light grey to white bark is smooth to the touch with with ribbons of tan bark running through it. Creamy white flowers appear in summer.

In its natural habitat, the Tasmanian Snow Gum experiences a temperature range of between -2°C to 13 °C, so it is more than capable of surviving in the milder regions of the Ireland and England so long as it not subjected to extreme frosts. Provide full sun, but be aware that young specimens will require a sheltered position.

For best results plant in a slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil, although the Tasmanian Snow Gum has proven to tolerate clay, heavy soils.

The Tasmanian Snow Gum received the Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1953

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HOW TO GROW THE TASMANIAN SNOW GUM - Eucalyptus coccifera