Eucalyptus Caesia
Eucalyptus caesia
Eucalyptus caesia, widely known as Silver Princess or Gungurru, is a stunning ornamental mallee tree endemic to the granite outcrops of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. It is celebrated for its graceful weeping form, large pink to red flowers with contrasting yellow stamens, and silvery white waxy coating on branches, buds, and gumnuts. It symbolizes grace, elegance, and resilience in the Australian native garden tradition.
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Late winter to spring (May to September); can flower intermittently through to early summer
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Eucalyptus caesia has long held a special place in Western Australian horticultural culture. Its name, caesia, derives from the Latin caesius meaning "bluish-grey," a direct reference to the distinctive silvery waxy bloom that coats its branches, buds, and gumnuts. The cultivar name "Silver Princess" reflects the regal, shimmering quality of this coating, which makes the tree appear as though it has been dusted with silver. Known to Noongar Aboriginal people as Gungurru, the tree grows wild in the Wheatbelt on isolated granite outcrops and is now classified as rare in its natural habitat due to land clearing. In cultivation, the Silver Princess has become one of Australia's most beloved ornamental trees, admired in public parks, private gardens, and botanic collections across the country and internationally for its weeping form and winter flower display.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; does not grow or flower well in shade
Water
Water regularly during establishment, particularly through the first summer. Once established, highly drought tolerant and requires watering only during extended dry periods. Dislikes waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam, Tolerates poor soils
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in autumn or winter to give the tree a full cool season to establish before its first summer
Choose a permanent, sunny position as the tree resents transplanting once roots are established
No fertiliser is required; the tree thrives even in poor and acidic soils
Pruning is optional; light pruning after flowering maintains a tidier canopy without harming the tree
The tree can be cut back close to its lignotuber to regenerate completely if it becomes overgrown or damaged
Pairs beautifully in the garden with Grevillea, Banksia, and Callistemon species
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen tree in native, cottage, and contemporary gardens
- Feature planting near entrances or along driveways
- Cut flower arrangements; branches, buds, and gumnuts are all decorative
- Wildlife garden attracting nectar-feeding birds, honeyeaters, bees, and other pollinators
- Screening and windbreak in open, sunny positions
- Low-maintenance waterwise garden plantings
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Eucalyptus Caesia
Why is Eucalyptus caesia called Silver Princess?
Eucalyptus caesia is called Silver Princess because of the striking silvery-white waxy bloom that coats its young branches, flower buds, and gumnuts, giving the tree a shimmering, regal appearance. The species name caesia itself comes from the Latin for "bluish-grey," a direct reference to this same characteristic colouring.
What does Eucalyptus caesia symbolize?
Eucalyptus caesia symbolizes grace, elegance, and resilience. Its weeping form and glittering silver coating give it a regal, almost magical quality, while its ability to survive on isolated granite outcrops in the harsh Western Australian Wheatbelt speaks to endurance and quiet strength.
How fast does Eucalyptus caesia (Silver Princess) grow?
Eucalyptus caesia is a moderately fast-growing tree that can reach its mature height of 5-8 m within a few years under good conditions. It can gain up to 1 m of height per year during its establishment phase, making it relatively quick to provide ornamental impact in the garden.
Is Eucalyptus caesia drought tolerant?
Yes, once established Eucalyptus caesia is highly drought tolerant. It is native to the dry Wheatbelt region of Western Australia and naturally grows on rocky granite outcrops. Regular watering is important only during the first growing season; after that, supplementary watering is needed only during extended dry spells.
When does Eucalyptus caesia flower?
Eucalyptus caesia flowers mainly from late winter through to spring, typically from May to September in Australia. This winter flowering period makes it particularly valuable in the garden when few other native trees are in bloom, and the large, pendulous flowers are a vital nectar source for honeyeaters and other birds during cooler months.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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