Ghost Gum
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
Deep-soak every 2-3 weeks in summer once established; deep infrequent watering anchors the roots.
Train to a single leader when young and thin the canopy to reduce wind-throw on this shallow-rooted tree; prune in late winter.
No fertilizer needed.
Few problems; lerp psyllids are possible.
White flowers in summer; evergreen year-round with ornamental shedding bark.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Well-draining sandy or decomposed-granite soil; tolerates alkaline pH 7.5–8.5 but resents heavy, wet clay
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Grown from fine seed sown on the surface; not from cuttings
20–25 ft
Shallow, spreading eucalypt roots can lift paving and reduce wind stability; keep 20 ft from structures and hardscape
Placement Tips
- •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.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Ghost Gum? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Ghost Gum. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Ghost Gum — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Ghost Gum need in Phoenix?
Ghost Gum is a low-water tree once established. Deep-soak every 2-3 weeks in summer once established; deep infrequent watering anchors the roots. Low water; avoid frequent shallow irrigation, which promotes weak surface roots and instability.
How big does Ghost Gum get?
Expect roughly 40 ft tall and 25 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 20–25 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, spreading eucalypt roots can lift paving and reduce wind stability; keep 20 ft from structures and hardscape.
Can you plant Ghost Gum near a pool?
Yes. Ghost Gum is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated moderate.
Can Ghost Gum handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Ghost Gum is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Frost-sensitive, hardy to about 25-28°F and best in low desert; protect through the first winters. White flowers in summer; evergreen year-round with ornamental shedding bark.
Does Ghost Gum have thorns?
No. Ghost Gum is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Ghost Gum safe around pets?
Ghost Gum is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Ghost Gum bloom in Arizona?
Ghost Gum blooms in summer, with white flowers.
How much maintenance does Ghost Gum need?
Ghost Gum is moderate-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated moderate. Train to a single leader when young and thin the canopy to reduce wind-throw on this shallow-rooted tree; prune in late winter.
What kind of soil does Ghost Gum need?
Well-draining sandy or decomposed-granite soil; tolerates alkaline pH 7.5–8.5 but resents heavy, wet clay. Nutrient needs are low. No fertilizer needed.
Is Ghost Gum native to Arizona?
No. Ghost Gum is not an Arizona native; it originates from the New Guinea, Australia, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.