The *Eucalyptus gunnii* (commonly known as the Cider Gum) is a surprisingly tough cookie. While it’s generally considered winter-hardy, extreme cold snaps or a plant that’s already feeling a bit under the weather can lead to trouble during the winter months. Here’s the lowdown on how to prune your Eucalyptus for the cold and keep it happy until spring.
Pruning Tips and Winter Care
A healthy *Eucalyptus gunnii* can typically handle temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C). You can usually spot this hardy variety by its beautiful creamy-white blossoms. However, if you’re growing a different type of Eucalyptus or if your tree is already stressed, those freezing temps can really take a toll. That’s where a little TLC comes in.
Quick tip: If your Eucalyptus has these flower colors, it’s likely not frost-hardy:
- Yellow
- Red
For your outdoor plants, you’ll want to prune them back in the fall before the real chill sets in. Timing is everything here: don’t prune so early that the plant tries to push out tender new green growth, but make sure you get it done before the first frost hits. This gives the tree enough time to settle into its dormant phase. Since Eucalyptus is a fast grower, don’t be afraid to give it a significant haircut. This encourages the plant to direct its energy down into the roots.
Sealing Cuts and Extra Protection
After you’ve finished pruning, it’s a good idea to seal any large cuts with a pruning sealer from your local garden center. This helps protect the open “wounds” from the elements. To give your tree an extra boost, spread some compost around the base of the trunk to nourish and strengthen the roots throughout the winter.
You can also create a cozy “mulch blanket” using fallen leaves around the base of the trunk. If you have Eucalyptus growing in pots on your patio, wrapping the containers in burlap or garden fleece will help insulate the roots from the biting cold.
If you’re worried about a particularly fragile plant, you can loosely drape a burlap sack over it. Just a heads-up: only do this for varieties that actually drop their leaves in winter. Most Eucalyptus plants keep their foliage year-round and are total sun-worshippers, so they’ll need plenty of sunlight even when it’s chilly out!
