Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess'

Silver Princess / Gungurru

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Western Australia (endemic to granite outcrops near Boyagin Rock and Pingaring)
Plant Type: Evergreen small tree / mallee

Overview

A stunning ornamental eucalypt perfectly suited to Adelaide's Mediterranean climate, Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' is prized for its weeping habit, striking silver-grey foliage and spectacular deep pink to red bell-shaped flowers with golden stamens. This compact Western Australian native forms a graceful small tree with smooth, powdery-white bark that peels to reveal subtle grey and salmon tones beneath. The pendulous branches create a delicate weeping silhouette adorned with large, showy flowers from late winter through spring, followed by distinctive silvery-grey urn-shaped gumnuts. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and exceptionally ornamental, it thrives in Adelaide's conditions while providing year-round interest through foliage, flowers and form. Ideal as a feature tree, courtyard specimen, native garden focal point or street tree, Silver Princess brings elegance and colour to South Australian landscapes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4–6 m H × 3–4 m W (compact small tree with weeping habit); can be maintained smaller with light pruning
• Growth Rate: 30–60 cm per year under good conditions (moderate to moderately fast-growing)
• Foliage: Lanceolate to ovate silver-grey leaves (5–10 cm long) on pendulous branches; evergreen—retains attractive foliage year-round with powdery bloom
• Flowers: Large, deep pink to red bell-shaped flowers (3–4 cm) with prominent golden-yellow stamens in clusters; prolific display late winter–spring (Jul–Oct in SA); highly ornamental
• Fragrance: Not fragrant (flowers ornamental only; foliage has typical eucalyptus scent when crushed)
• Seasonal Interest: Late winter–spring spectacular pink-red flowering display; year-round silver foliage and white bark; decorative silvery-grey urn-shaped gumnuts persist after flowering
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Nectar-feeding Birds (honeyeaters, lorikeets); Good for Pollinators (bees); seeds attract small parrots and finches
• Tolerance: Excellent drought tolerance once established; exceptional heat tolerance; frost-hardy to -7°C; good wind tolerance; coastal-tolerant in sheltered positions; low phosphorus requirement (native)
• Planting Density: Specimen: 1 tree per 12–20 m² (3.5–4.5 m apart); Street tree: 4–6 m spacing; Excellent in large containers (minimum 60 cm diameter)
• Pet Friendly: Generally safe (eucalyptus foliage not typically palatable to pets; may cause mild GI upset if consumed in quantity)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hrs) for best flowering, foliage colour and compact habit; tolerates light afternoon shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or gravelly soil; tolerates Adelaide's alkaline soils; avoid heavy clay unless drainage improved; thrives in rocky, free-draining sites
• Water Needs: Establishment: Deep soak 2 times weekly for 8–12 weeks; Established: Deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer; monthly in cooler months; highly drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering in winter
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; light prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove spent flowers if desired; mulch annually avoiding trunk; use low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly if needed (established trees rarely need feeding); virtually pest and disease-free; occasional lerp or scale—minor
• Lifespan: 50–80+ years
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate South Australia—Adelaide plains, foothills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North; performs exceptionally well in Adelaide's dry summer conditions
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0–8.0); adapts well to Adelaide's calcareous soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature specimen for front gardens, courtyards and small spaces where graceful weeping form and late winter flowering can be showcased
• Street tree for narrow verges and suburban settings—compact size and non-invasive roots suit urban planting
• Focal point in native gardens with Westringia, Eremophila, Grevillea and Lomandra; silver foliage contrasts beautifully with dark green or purple-foliaged companions
• Outstanding in large decorative containers (60 cm+ diameter) on patios or terraces where pendulous branches and flowers can be appreciated at close range
• Groups of 3–5 create stunning grove effect in larger gardens; perfect for low-water Mediterranean-style landscapes with ornamental grasses, Lavender and Salvia

Why You Will Love It

Silver Princess delivers show-stopping late winter colour when Adelaide gardens need it most—masses of deep pink bell-shaped flowers against silvery foliage and white bark create a stunning display. The compact weeping habit suits small gardens and courtyards perfectly, while drought tolerance and low maintenance align with Adelaide's dry climate. Year-round beauty through elegant form, powdery white bark, silver foliage and decorative gumnuts means it earns its keep in every season. Thrives on neglect once established, attracts birds, and brings quintessential Australian character—this is ornamental eucalypt perfection for South Australian landscapes.