Eucalyptus caesia subsp magna

Eucalyptus caesia subsp magna or Silver Princess Gum, native to Western Australia, stands out with its colourful and original flowering: made of pink-red pompons with contrasting yellow stamens. Its bark is reddish-brown and continually peels off in small undulate shreds, giving the impression that the tree has a curly "hairstyle". Its arched, pendulous branches have a powdery texture like the floral buds, and shimmer with a silvery glow. This Eucalyptus forms a small tree that can be grown in the ground or in a pot. It needs well-drained, sandy or clayey soil, even poor, without stagnant water. It appreciates temperate or drier climates,  and can only withstand mild frosts of short duration.

Eucalyptus caesia subsp magna is a species native to Western Australia, more precisely from the Perth region where it is called "Gungurru". Like all Eucalyptus, it belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Its growth is quite fast, it eventually forms a small elegant tree with an open crown measuring about 6-8 m (19 ft 8 in-26 ft 2 in) in height by 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in spread, depending on the growing conditions. Its bark is reddish-brown and constantly peels off in small strips. The juvenile leaves are green and quite wide. The adult leaves, pendulous, larger, thinner, are elliptical or lanceolate. Their colour is grey-green to blue-green. This foliage releases a typical Eucalyptus scent when crushed. The flowers appear on adult plants from January to April, depending on the climate and age, 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter, they are grouped in the leaf axils in pink-red pompons with yellow stamens. Not very hardy, this Eucalyptus can only withstand short, minor frosts.

Eucalyptus caesia subsp magna should make its entry into our gardens as it has many qualities. Easy to grow in acidic to neutral, well-drained soil, in full sun, it requires a sheltered location from the winds. Its open crown and vegetation only offer very light shade. It grows well in pots. Some association ideas: with a Coyote Willow or a Weeping Ornamental Pear, both beautifully silver, or a Purple Hazelnut for contrast. It is an ornamental plant at all stages of its growth, young and adult. Its flowers make an impact on the tree as well as in bouquets and are nectar-rich