An adaptable evergreen Australian native with glossy leaves, smooth peeling orange-brown bark and fragrant yellow summer flowers. A popular, well-behaved street and feature tree.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 8 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Water Gum
Botanically, Tristaniopsis laurina is a moderate-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. It reaches around 8 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Water Gum
Water Gum suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Water Gum does best in loamy, clay and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 3 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Water Gum does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Water Gum after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Water Gum in the garden
Water Gum earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Combine Water Gum with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe. It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Water Gum
Plant Sale lists Water Gum as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
