Silver Princess Flowering Gum

Silver Princess Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess') is a weeping, airy native tree that grows 6 to 8m tall and 3 to 4m wide. From winter to spring it carries large, fluffy pink-red blossoms with yellow stamens at the ends of its branches, set against long blue-grey leaves and young stems that ripen from red to white. It is a showpiece ornamental for a sunny garden and popular with flower arrangers.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers in winter and spring. Big, fluffy pink-red blossoms with yellow stamens open when most trees are quiet, hanging in clusters at the stem ends.
• Handsome out of flower. Weeping branches, long blue-grey leaves, white stems and big silvery bell-like gumnuts keep the tree interesting all year.
• Peeling bark. The bark, known as minni-ritchi, peels away in small curly strips, which adds texture at close range.
• Feeds wildlife and florists. Birds and bees visit the blossoms, and the stems cut well for floral arrangements.
• Adaptable in the right climate. A native of the south-west corner of Western Australia, it has proved adaptable in gardens across the country when it gets sun and drainage.

Where it works best

Feature tree. Plant a single tree in a sunny spot with room for a 3 to 4m canopy. Allow 4m between trees, and keep it clear of buildings, because the branches weep and spread.

Wildlife gardens. The winter blossom feeds honeyeaters and other birds at a time when little else is flowering.

Coppiced as a feature shrub. Cut hard back, it can be kept as a more compact, shrubby plant, which suits a smaller garden.

Cut flowers. The blossoms and gumnuts are popular for flower arranging and floristry.

Growing Silver Princess Flowering Gum in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, and a spot protected from strong wind. As a Western Australian species it prefers mild Mediterranean-type climates with abundant sunshine, lower humidity and drier summers, so it suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid or semi-arid gardens. Established trees take light frost, but young plants need protection from it. Humid, wet-summer regions are harder.

Soil. Most free-draining soils suit it. Avoid heavy clay that sits wet in winter, or plant on a raised mound.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the tree is established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep watering during extended dry periods. Once established it copes with dry summers well. If you feed it, use a low phosphorus native fertiliser.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed for a weeping tree. To keep it as a feature shrub, coppice it by cutting it hard back, and remove dead wood whenever you see it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Princess Flowering Gum as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly), in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and as single 300mm pots. Tube stock is the economical way to start a tree and settles into the ground quickly, while the 140mm, 200mm and 300mm pots give you a larger plant sooner. Whichever you choose, expect a small tree at first. It takes several years to reach its full size and weeping shape.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Gum trees and eucalypts
• More Australian native trees
• Native plants that attract birds
• Bird attracting plants

Common questions

How big does it get, and how much space does it need?

Expect 6 to 8m tall and 3 to 4m wide with a weeping habit. Allow about 4m between trees and keep it away from buildings, drains and underground services.

Will it grow in my climate?

It prefers mild Mediterranean-type conditions with lots of sun, lower humidity and drier summers. It can work elsewhere, but protect young trees from frost and strong wind, and expect more difficulty in humid regions.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Like other eucalypts, its leaves and gumnuts can upset cats and dogs if eaten, so keep pets from chewing them.