Eucalyptus perriniana aka Spinning Gum

Eucalyptus perriniana is an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. It comes from southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. Gardeners call it spinning gum or silver-dollar gum. In the wild, it grows in wet hollows on poor soils. It forms a small tree or large shrub, branching from the base. Its crown can be open or fairly dense.

This fast-growing tree often reaches 20–30 feet (6–9.1 metres) in gardens. RHS gives a larger upper height of 39 feet (12 metres). Reported spreads reach 20–26 feet (6.1–8 metres). Smooth bark peels in strips, revealing pale grey or off-white areas. Brown and green patches add contrast along the trunk. Young leaves are round, blue-green and coated with a pale bloom. They clasp the stems and have a mild, sweet, menthol-like scent. Dead leaves can remain around stems and turn in the wind. Adult leaves are narrow, pointed and grey-green, and may hang down.

White or cream flowers grow in groups of three. They lack petals and open during summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from July to September. The pale flowers and evergreen leaves give the tree garden value. Florists use stems that carry the round young leaves. Cutting back each year can limit size and renew this foliage. Growers can also prune plants into a shrub form.

Plant it in full sun, with shelter from cold, drying winds. It accepts sandy soil, loam and clay, including poor soils. RHS favours acid to neutral soil that stays moist. Missouri Botanical Garden recommends good drainage and dry to medium moisture. It also notes that established trees tolerate dry soil. The listed hardiness ranges are USDA zones 8–10 and RHS H5. Sudden cold spells can still cause harm. Containers need a sunny site; indoor plants need a bright south-facing window.

Use it as a specimen tree or along sunny woodland edges. In cold areas, rapid growth allows use as an annual shrub. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious pest or disease problems. RHS lists gall wasps, eucalyptus suckers, silver leaf and honey fungus as possible problems. Oedema may also occur. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. Its leaves yield essential oil, but this does not establish food safety.