tree

Silver Princess

Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess'

The Story

Plant Bio

Eucalyptus caesia is a small, multi-stemmed mallee tree native to the granite outcrops of Western Australia, characterized by its weeping habit and open, light-filtering canopy. The trunk features reddish-brown bark that peels in curling longitudinal flakes, while young branches are coated in a powdery, white-blue waxy bloom.

'Silver Princess' is a widely cultivated selection distinguished by its highly pendulous, weeping branches and large, pink to deep red blossoms with contrasting yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by urn-shaped woody capsules covered in a matching silvery-white waxy coating.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesFeatures highly decorative weeping branches, powdery white stems, peeling minni-ritchi bark, and large pink-to-red blossoms.
Practical UsesHighly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes and xeriscaping.
Ecological BenefitsProvides a rich source of nectar for bees and hummingbirds during the cooler months of the year.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315"

Width

177"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late fall – Spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site in full sun with excellent air circulation and highly permeable, sandy or gravelly soil.
  2. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
  3. Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then reduce watering to a minimum once the root system establishes.
  4. Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to suppress weeds, keeping the mulch several inches away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in an elevated position or mound to ensure immaculate drainage, as standing moisture or heavy, unamended clay soils will quickly trigger fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Ensure the planting site receives all-day, unobstructed sunlight to maintain a compact form.
  • Provide sharp drainage by mounding the soil or planting on a slope if clay is present.
  • Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to encourage denser growth.

Don't

  • Do not overwater or plant in low spots where water accumulates.
  • Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as these branches lack the ability to sprout new shoots.
  • Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can cause weak, leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeFocal PointXeriscapingWindbreakScreening

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Princess questions

What zones can Silver Princess grow in?

Silver Princess 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.

Is Silver Princess deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Silver Princess, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Silver Princess bloom?

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

Does Silver Princess need full sun?

Silver Princess does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Silver Princess drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Silver Princess with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.