Growing Silver Drop Eucalyptus Trees from Seeds in Your Landscape

An Introduction to Silver Drop Eucalyptus

The silver drop eucalyptus (Eucalyptus gunnii) is a unique and beautiful tree known for its eye-catching foliage. Sometimes called a cider gum tree, it is prized by gardeners and landscapers for its showy, silvery-blue leaves that shimmer in the breeze. The silver drop is native to Tasmania but has become popular well beyond its native range.

Key Characteristics of Silver Drop Eucalyptus

The most distinctive feature of the silver drop eucalyptus is its leaves. Juvenile foliage is round, silvery-blue, and resembles large water drops scattered along the stems. As the tree matures, the leaves become longer and oval-shaped while maintaining the distinctive blue-gray color.

Silver drop eucalyptus is a small to medium tree, growing 30-60 feet tall with a slender, weeping habit. It has smooth, powdery white bark that sheds in strips. During summer, small white blooms are produced. These blooms give way to gum nuts containing many tiny seeds.

Growing Conditions

Silver drop eucalyptus thrives in zones 8-10, where it can be grown outdoors year-round. It does best in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. These trees have low drought tolerance but cannot withstand heavy frost or freezing temperatures. They can be grown in containers and moved indoors during winter in colder climates.

Young silver drops should be watered regularly to establish an extensive root system. Mature trees are fairly drought tolerant but appreciate occasional deep watering during dry periods.

Propagation

Silver drop eucalyptus is easily propagated from seed. The tiny seeds should be barely covered with potting mix and misted to maintain moisture. Germination occurs readily at 65-75°F. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Taking cuttings from new growth is another simple way to propagate silver drop eucalyptus. Cut 4-6 inch sections of stem with leaves attached. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant in potting mix, keep warm, and maintain even moisture. Roots should develop within a few weeks.

Landscape Uses

With its unique foliage and form, silver drop eucalyptus adds intriguing texture and color contrast when planted among greens and flowers. It works well as an accent or specimen planting and can be pruned to maintain a neat shape and size.

The blue-gray leaves pair beautifully with pink, red, yellow, and orange flowers. Silver drop also helps brighten shady areas where its luminous foliage can catch the light. Try underplanting with white impatiens or blue lobelia.

In containers, silver drop eucalyptus makes a striking focal point. Let it spill over mixed plantings or place a single tree in a large pot surrounded by annuals. Move containers to a sheltered spot in winter.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune your silver drop eucalyptus tree as needed to control shape and size. This species responds well to hard pruning and can be cut back to the trunk. New growth will quickly cover any unsightly cuts. Avoid pruning in mid to late summer when eucalyptus trees are prone to stress.

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring. Mulch around the tree to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Check regularly for common eucalyptus pests like psyllids, longhorn borers, and eucalyptus longhorn beetles.

Growing Silver Drop Eucalyptus from Seeds

One of the easiest ways to get new silver drop eucalyptus trees is to grow them from the seed contained in the tree's gum nut pods. Follow these simple steps for success:

Harvesting and Storing Seeds

Wait to harvest gum nuts until they turn brown and rattle, indicating the seeds inside are mature. Cut entire clusters of pods from the tree with pruners or strong scissors. Spread them in a single layer and allow to further dry for 1-2 weeks.

For short term storage up to a few months, place dry gum nuts in paper bags or envelopes and keep in a cool location. For longer storage, put seeds in an airtight glass jar and refrigerate.

Planting Silver Drop Eucalyptus Seeds

Fill pots or trays with a well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten the mixture and allow excess water to drain. Gently press 1-3 seeds onto the surface of the soil or barely cover with a thin layer of mix. Keep the planted seeds in a sunny spot indoors.

Mist the soil to keep it evenly moist but not soggy. Germination occurs readily within a couple weeks at temperatures around 70°F. Thin developing seedlings to the strongest plant per pot.

Caring for Young Plants

Grow the young silver drops on at high light. Turn the pots periodically to prevent seedlings from leaning toward the light. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Feed every 2-4 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Pinch back the tips of each stem while plants are young to encourage bushy, compact growth.

Transplanting Outdoors

Harden off young silver drop eucalyptus plants by setting them outdoors in partial shade for progressively longer periods over 7-10 days. Transplant into the garden after the last frost date. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil.

Space trees 10-15 feet apart. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly after planting, and apply an organic mulch around each tree.

With proper care, your homegrown silver drop eucalyptus trees will flourish and add unique beauty and texture to your landscape for years to come.

FAQs

How fast does silver drop eucalyptus grow?

Silver drop eucalyptus is a moderately fast growing tree. It can gain around 3 feet in height and width per year when the growing conditions are ideal. Trees grown from seed typically reach mature sizes of 30-60 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide.

Where should I plant my silver drop eucalyptus?

Silver drop eucalyptus thrives in full sun exposures. Choose a site with well-draining soil. Allow plenty of room for the tree to reach its mature size. Space multiple trees at least 10-15 feet apart.

How often should I water a silver drop eucalyptus tree?

Established silver drop eucalyptus trees are quite drought tolerant. However, they appreciate occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Target watering 1-2 times per month during drought or very hot weather.

What are the main pests and diseases?

Aphids, psyllids, leaf beetles, and eucalyptus longhorn borers are potential insect pests. Diseases include anthracnose, Botryosphaeria canker, and Armillaria root rot. Maintain tree health to reduce problems.

Should I prune my silver drop eucalyptus?

Pruning is recommended to shape silver drop eucalyptus trees and maintain a desired height and width. The best time to prune is late winter through early spring. Avoid heavy pruning during summer heat.