An extremely hardy and versatile species, which can be grown as a large specimen tree or a bushy shrub, Eucalyptus gunnii has ovate steel blue leaves, often used in flower arranging.
'Silverana' is a dwarf variety, which has intensely silver and white new shoots and leaves. Left to mature it can reach 10 to 12m tall in 20 to 30 years, but it responds well to annual pruning in late March in which case it can be kept to a much smaller bush or small tree. It can be coppiced, which will result in a bushier shrub with larger leaves. Eucalyptus gunnii produces rounded, colourful silver-blue new foliage which become slightly more elliptical and turn shades of grey, blue and green as it ages. The bark peels in a variety of chalky shades, including creams, greens, grey and browns providing another striking feature.
A native of Tasmania, Eucalyptus gunnii prefers a south facing position but can tolerate all soils. It will perform best in moist, well-drained conditions. Eucalyptus gunnii holds an RHS AWard of Garden Merit and will provide both screening and interest year round.
Protect Eucalyptus from cold and biting east winds for the first few years after planting, but it shold be hardy down to at least -15% when mature. Needs a deep and well drained soil.