Corymbia Maculata

Spotted Gum

Botanical Name: Corymbia maculata
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia (souht-eastern)
Plant Type: Evergreen tree

Overview

Spotted Gum is a stately Australian native for larger South Australian gardens. It forms a tall, upright canopy of glossy green leaves and a striking mottled “spotted” trunk. In summer it bears creamy-white flower clusters that feed birds and pollinators. Best in full sun with good drainage; superb as a feature or avenue tree in coastal and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 15-25 m H x 8-12 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy dark to blue-green, lance-shaped leaves; aromatic when crushed
• Flowers: Summer clusters; creamy-white; nectar-rich
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure; summer bloom; beautiful spotted, smooth bark year-round
• Wildlife Value: High nectar for birds, bees and other pollinators; habitat as tree matures
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant (best 2nd line); light–moderate frost when established
• Planting Density: Feature/screen trees at 4–6 m centres (closer for avenues)
• Pet Friendly: No — not pet-friendly. Foliage contains essential oils; ingestion can cause GI upset.

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best form and flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; tolerates heavier soils if drainage is improved; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; formative prune when young to a strong single leader; avoid hard cuts into old wood; remove basal shoots if any
• Lifespan: 50-100+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid to Neutral (tolerates slightly alkaline with good drainage)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Avenue or boundary screening tree for drives and large verges (not for clipped hedges)
• Mass plant for a cohesive, low-maintenance canopy and summer flowers
• Feature tree in large gardens or rural blocks; striking trunk and foliage year-round

Why You Will Love It

A dramatic, long-lived native that delivers instant stature, glossy evergreen foliage, summer flowers for wildlife, and an iconic spotted trunk — all with excellent heat, wind and drought tolerance once established.