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Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

Most loved for its striking silver-blue foliage, compact rounded habit, and year-round value as both an ornamental feature and a source of cut foliage.

Regular price $370.00
Sale price $370.00 Regular price
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Pot size
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Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
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Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.2m – 2.0m$370.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$700.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is a compact evergreen gum grown for foliage rather than flowers. The rounded juvenile leaves are a soft powdery silver blue and hold on well into maturity, giving the canopy a pale hazy quality. The habit is upright with a moderately spreading crown, and small white flowers appear among the leaves.

    Plant it in full sun in well drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and handles light to moderate frost, which suits temperate districts across southern Australia, the tablelands and dry inland gardens. Growth is quick at about 1 to 1.5 metres a year. Maintenance amounts to little more than an occasional trim.

    The silver tone works as a foil against dark green planting or brickwork, so it is often used as a single feature, in loose groups, or as a windbreak on rural blocks. Space trees 3 to 4 metres apart for full canopies or 3 metres for an avenue. Cut stems are also a mainstay of florists.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Eucalyptus Silver Shadow

    What is Eucalyptus Silver Shadow?

    Silver Shadow is a selected ornamental eucalypt grown for its silver blue foliage. Unlike most gums it keeps the rounded juvenile leaf shape well into maturity, so the tree holds that soft powdery colour year round instead of turning to long green adult leaves. It stays a manageable size and is widely used as a garden feature.

    How big does Silver Shadow grow?

    It reaches 7 to 10 metres tall with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, making it a medium tree rather than a large one. That is small enough for a suburban block with room around it, and it can be kept lower by pruning. The crown is upright with moderate spread rather than broad and heavy.

    How fast does it grow?

    Around 1 to 1.5 metres a year in the early seasons with reasonable water, slowing as the tree approaches full height. That gives useful screening and foliage colour within three or four years of planting. Growth is fastest in warm weather, and staking is worth doing for the first two years in windy positions.

    Is it drought tolerant?

    Yes. Once the root system is down it handles extended dry periods and does not need supplementary watering in most temperate districts. Its one real requirement is drainage, since it dislikes waterlogged soil far more than dry soil. Water it deeply and regularly through the first two summers, then it can be left alone.

    Is it frost tolerant?

    Established trees handle light to moderate frost without damage, so it grows well through the southern tablelands, central Victoria, the Adelaide Hills and inland temperate areas. Very young trees are the vulnerable stage and benefit from a guard through their first winter. Frost does not affect the foliage colour, which stays silver through cold weather.

    Can the foliage be cut for the vase?

    It is one of the main reasons people plant it. The silver blue stems cut well, last a long time in water and are a staple of florists and event work. Cutting also keeps the tree producing fresh juvenile growth, which is the bluest foliage on the plant, so regular harvesting improves rather than harms it.

    How do I care for Eucalyptus Silver Shadow?

    Water deeply through the first two summers and mulch to the drip line, keeping mulch off the trunk. Prune in late winter or early spring to lift the canopy or hold the size, and cut back into leafy growth to encourage new juvenile foliage. Feed lightly in spring with a native fertiliser low in phosphorus.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Upright
    • Spreading
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Shade Tree
    • Avenue Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    • Rural Property Planting
    Mature height
    8m to 15m (approx.) (specific hybrid, general range)
    Mature width
    8m to 10m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' in Different Soil

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Shade Tree
    • Avenue Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    • Rural Property Planting

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' works in an:

    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 8m to 15m (approx.) (specific hybrid, general range)

    Mature Width: 8m to 10m

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is expected to grow 1m to 1.5m per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow'

    Is Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' frost tolerant?

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' Flower?

    Eucalyptus ‘Silver Shadow’ produces clusters of small creamy-white fluffy flowers in summer. These soft blooms sit lightly among the striking silver-blue foliage, adding a gentle seasonal highlight that complements its ornamental colour.

    Does Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Winter
    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Fluffy

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is Native to A selected ornamental form of Eucalyptus cinerea, native to south-eastern Australia. Bred for its dense growth and enhanced silvery foliage.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' ?

    Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, while the evergreen canopy provides shelter and perching opportunities for small birds. The smooth trunk and aromatic foliage also support a range of insects, boosting biodiversity in native-style plantings.

    How much Sunlight does Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' need?

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Eucalyptus ‘Silver Shadow’ performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained sites unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support its excellent drought resilience, upright growth and distinctive silver foliage.

    Is Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' Drought Tolerant?

    Is Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Eucalyptus ‘Silver Shadow’ develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry and coastal environments and maintains its strong upright form and silvery foliage with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use 'Silver Shadow' leaves in my home?
    Yes, the silvery-blue leaves are popular in floral arrangements and potpourri for their scent and appearance.

    How fast does it grow?
    With adequate care, Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' has a moderate to fast growth rate.

    Is it suitable for small gardens?
    Given its size, ensure you have adequate space. Consider regular pruning to manage its size if necessary.

    Compare sizes side by side

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.2m – 2.0m

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' is loved for its striking silver-blue foliage, compact rounded habit, and year-round value as both an ornamental feature and a source of cut foliage.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Eucalyptus 'Silver Shadow' With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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