Species

tree

Silver Princess

The Story

Plant Bio

Eucalyptus caesia, commonly known as gungurru, is a small Western Australian mallee tree distinguished by its open, weeping habit and decorative, peeling reddish-brown 'minni-ritchi' bark. It naturally inhabits dry shrubby woodlands and granite outcrop crevices, developing a lignotuber that assists in surviving drought and wildfire.

'Silver Princess' is a horticulturally selected form celebrated for its larger, deep pink-to-red blossoms accented by bright yellow stamens and a heavy, powdery white waxy bloom coating the buds, fruit, and weeping branches. The mature canopy forms an elegant, light-filtering screen of pendulous, grey-green adult foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking weeping branches, powdery white stems, peeling minni-ritchi bark, and large pink-red blossoms.

Functions as an elegant, light-filtering screen or architectural specimen for dry, sun-drenched landscapes.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native birds, bees, and other beneficial insect pollinators.

SpeciesEucalyptus caesiaGungurru

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

276 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent air circulation and highly permeable, free-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root crown sits slightly proud of the surrounding soil surface.
Backfill with the native soil without adding organic matter or heavy fertilisers, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of coarse gravel mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Elevate the root crown slightly above the surrounding soil level when planting and ensure sharp, gravelly drainage; excess moisture at the base or humid, stagnant air rapidly invites fungal decline and root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a highly exposed, sun-drenched position to maximise flowering and prevent fungal issues.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely after rainfall.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape or remove damaged wood.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, water-retaining clay soils or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Do not over-fertilise, especially with high-phosphorus formulations.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood unless regenerating a severely damaged specimen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeArchitectural featureWindbreakNative garden focal point

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'

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.

When does Silver Princess bloom?

Silver Princess typically blooms in winter 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.