Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura'®

Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura' Care Guide

Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura' is a compact, evergreen tree known for its stunning silver-blue foliage, making it a striking addition to any garden. This variety is prized for its cold hardiness, dense growth habit, and aromatic leaves. With its manageable size and high resilience, 'Azura' is an excellent choice for both small and large gardens, as well as for container growing.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura'
• Common Name: Cider Gum 'Azura'
• Plant Type: Evergreen tree or shrub
• Mature Size: Grows up to 3-5m in height with a spread of 2-3m, much smaller than standard Eucalyptus gunnii.
• Growth Habit: Bushy and compact with a dense canopy of rounded leaves.
• Foliage: Silvery-blue leaves with a high essential oil content, emitting a fresh eucalyptus fragrance.
• Flowering Period: Small, white flowers in late summer, though rarely seen in cooler climates.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, tolerating temperatures down to -18°C, making it one of the hardiest eucalyptus varieties.

Light and Soil Preferences

• Light: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil but adapts to various conditions.
• pH Level: Best grown in neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-7.5).
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly drought-resistant.

Watering and Moisture Needs

• Low Water Requirements: Water regularly while young, but once established, 'Azura' thrives on minimal watering.
• Drought Tolerance: Can survive on rainfall alone in most climates but benefits from occasional watering in dry periods.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting and Maintenance

How to Plant Eucalyptus 'Azura'

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
• Spacing: Allow at least 2-3m between plants for proper air circulation and growth.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the base of the stem is above soil level.
• Container Growing: Suitable for large pots due to its smaller size, making it ideal for patios or urban gardens.

Pruning and Shaping

• Regular Pruning Encouraged: Helps maintain a compact, bushy shape and prevents leggy growth.
• Best Time to Prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
• Encouraging New Growth: Cutting back stems will promote fresh, silvery-blue foliage.
• Shaping Options: Can be grown as a standard tree, shrub, or even coppiced annually for fresh juvenile foliage.

Feeding and Fertilization

• Spring Feeding: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring for strong growth.
• Organic Boost: Adding well-rotted compost in spring provides additional nutrients.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Too much nitrogen can cause excessive soft growth, which is less cold-hardy.

Common Pests, Diseases, and Seasonal Care

Potential Pests and Diseases

• Pest-Resistant: Generally trouble-free, but can occasionally attract:
  • Aphids – Can cluster on young shoots (Solution: Spray with water or neem oil).
  • Scale insects – May appear on stems (Solution: Use insecticidal soap if necessary).
• Root Rot: Can occur if the soil remains too wet (Solution: Ensure proper drainage).
• Frost Damage: While very hardy, young plants may need protection in extreme cold.
  • Solution: Apply mulch around the base and cover with fleece if temperatures drop below -10°C.

Seasonal Care Tips

• Spring: Prune for shape, apply fertilizer, and check for pests.
• Summer: Water occasionally in prolonged dry spells, though it tolerates drought well.
• Autumn: Reduce watering and avoid excessive nitrogen feeding.
• Winter: Protect young plants from severe frost, especially in colder regions.

Garden Uses and Companion Planting

Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura' is a versatile and low-maintenance plant suited for various landscaping styles:

• Architectural Feature – Adds year-round interest with its striking foliage.
• Container Growing – Ideal for patios and small gardens due to its compact nature.
• Cut Flower Gardens – Highly valued for floral arrangements due to its long-lasting leaves.
• Low-Maintenance Landscapes – Suitable for Mediterranean gardens, wildlife-friendly planting, and modern designs.

Best Companion Plants

• Lavender – Complements the silvery foliage and attracts pollinators.
• Salvia – Provides a vibrant contrast with its deep purple and blue flowers.
• Sedum – Thrives in similar dry conditions and adds autumn interest.
• Grasses (Stipa or Miscanthus) – Offer a soft contrast to the structured eucalyptus foliage.

Summary

Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura' is a hardy, compact, and low-maintenance evergreen tree that provides year-round beauty with its silvery-blue foliage and fresh fragrance. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ideal for gardens of all sizes. Whether grown as a feature tree, hedge, or in a container, 'Azura' adds an elegant touch to modern, Mediterranean, and wildlife-friendly landscapes. With minimal care requirements, it is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners

• Size
  P15

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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