Cider gum

Many eucalyptus species produce two kinds of foliage: the long sickle-shaped leaves of adult branches, and the lush rounded leaves distinctive of young shoots. They are naturally trees, sometimes reaching a great height, but in gardens regular firm annual pruning can keep them as large shrubs and maintain a supply of the juvenile foliage enjoyed by gardeners and flower arrangers. Only a few species are reliably hardy, and of these E. gunnii is the most popular. Cold winds are more injurious than frost, and plants are best grown in sunny sheltered spots. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).