1 named cultivar

‘Silver Princess’Silver Princess

tree

Gungurru

The Story

Plant Bio

Eucalyptus caesia, commonly known as gungurru or silver princess, is an evergreen Western Australian mallee or small tree distinguished by its weeping branches and reddish-brown bark that peels in curly ribbons. The lanceolate leaves, stems, and large urn-shaped gumnuts are coated in a conspicuous, powdery white waxy bloom that contrasts with the pink to deep red flowers.

This species is highly valued for its dramatic pendulous habit and its large, fluffy clusters of winter-blooming stamens that attract native nectar-feeding birds. The subspecies magna, often sold as 'Silver Princess', represents the larger and more intensely weeping form of the tree.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural interest with its weeping habit, peeling minni-ritchi bark, and powdery white stems.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes and windbreaks.

Attracts native nectar-feeding birds, bees, and insects during its prolific winter-spring flowering period.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

394 inches

Width

197 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter or heavy fertilisers, and water in thoroughly to settle.
Install a temporary stake if the young weeping canopy is top-heavy, removing it once the root system establishes.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning back into old, leafless wood as this species fails to shoot from epicormic buds on bare limbs; limit cuts to light formative tipping of young stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position that receives full sun all day.
Ensure the soil has exceptional, sharp drainage.
Water sparingly once established, only during prolonged dry spells.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if growth is sluggish.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood.
Do not over-fertilise with high-nitrogen or high-phosphorus mixes.
Do not plant in highly humid, wet-summer tropical climates.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingWindbreaks or screeningNative and wildlife gardensArchitectural focal points

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gungurru questions

What zones can Gungurru grow in?

Gungurru is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Gungurru bloom?

Gungurru typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gungurru need full sun?

Gungurru does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Gungurru drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gungurru handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.