An elegant weeping mallee with powdery silver-blue leaves, ornamental minni-ritchi bark and pendulous pink flowers with golden anthers followed by silvery gum nuts. A spectacular small feature tree.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 8 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Silver Princess
Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' is a fast-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 8 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Pink and red flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Silver Princess
Silver Princess suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is suitable for bushfire-prone (BAL) gardens.
Soil & planting
Silver Princess does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Silver Princess is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Silver Princess after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Silver Princess in the garden
Silver Princess earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Silver Princess with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. 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.
Buying Silver Princess
Plant Sale lists Silver Princess as tube stock and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.