Ghost Gum

Name: Ghost Gum
Brand: Outdoor Dream Builders

Corymbia papuana

A tall, elegant tree with luminous white bark that glows in the landscape, creating a dramatic year-round focal point.

Frost-sensitive, hardy to about 25-28°F and best in low desert; protect through the first winters.

AMWUA Notes

Low water; avoid frequent shallow irrigation, which promotes weak surface roots and instability.

Care Guide

💧Watering

Deep-soak every 2-3 weeks in summer once established; deep infrequent watering anchors the roots.

✂️Pruning

Train to a single leader when young and thin the canopy to reduce wind-throw on this shallow-rooted tree; prune in late winter.

🌱Fertilizing

No fertilizer needed.

🛡️Pests

Few problems; lerp psyllids are possible.

☀️Seasonal Notes

White flowers in summer; evergreen year-round with ornamental shedding bark.

🪨Soil

Well-draining sandy or decomposed-granite soil; tolerates alkaline pH 7.5–8.5 but resents heavy, wet clay

💧Drainage

Needs well-drained soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

Grown from fine seed sown on the surface; not from cuttings

📐Spacing

20–25 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

Shallow, spreading eucalypt roots can lift paving and reduce wind stability; keep 20 ft from structures and hardscape

•Tall dramatic specimen to 40 ft; needs open space and at least 20 ft from structures.
•Sheds bark, leaves, and twigs, so keep it well back from pools and gutters.
•Can be top-heavy in wind; thin the canopy and give it room away from targets to reduce blow-over risk.
•Showcase the luminous white trunk against green foliage or uplighting.