Eucalyptus caesia subsp. magna
Silver Princess Gum
Very ornamental evergreen tree about 12m tall, endemic to Western Australia, with smooth, reddish-brown, peeling bark. Slender, pendulous reddish stems, flower buds and fruit are covered in a striking white waxy bloom. Glossy, green juvenile heart-shaped leaves to 10cm long, are followed by grey-green, adult lance-shaped leaves to 24cm long. Clusters of pendent red flowers appear late winter, followed by urn-shaped woody fruit
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
Autumn | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
Winter | White | Red | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping
- Genus
Eucalyptus are evergreen trees or large shrubs, often fast-growing, some with attractive bark, most with aromatic foliage, and clusters of small, white, yellow or red flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors grow in fertile neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Grow tender species outdoors in mild or frost-free counties only or in a greenhouse/conservatory. See eucalyptus cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. May need restrictive pruning under glass. See Eucalyptus: pruning for more detailed advice
Pests
May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to silver leaf, oedema and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.