A common name that aptly describes Eucalyptus pulverulenta is simply the Silver Leafed Mountain Gum. It is also known as the Silver Dollar Gum and it is grown as a foliage plant.
It does come from alpine areas and it does have very attractive silvery green foliage, and it is the juvenile foliage that is the most attractive.
The cultivar ‘Baby Blue’ was actually found in California and is a smaller growing Eucalyptus than the species itself.
In cultivation the plant can be pruned back to encourage more juvenile foliage. This foliage is another that is is demand by florists for backing in flower arrangements. The Florists Silver Dollar is the name given. A smaller growing form ‘Baby Blue’ is also available.
The leaves are actually a juvenile form, and as E. pulverulenta tends not to want to produce the adult leaves the attractive foliage lasts longer than on some other species.
Flowering commences in winter and continues through to summer. The flowers themselves are a pale yellow to cream, followed by largish fruits.
How Tall Does Eucalyptus pulverulenta Grow?
One of the most common questions is around height and size.
- Height: Typically 4–6 metres, depending on climate and pruning.
- Spread: Around 2–3 metres.
- ‘Baby Blue’: Usually stays closer to 3–4 metres with a narrower spread.
Regular pruning or coppicing can keep plants much smaller, often under 2 metres, especially when grown for foliage.
How to Grow Eucalyptus pulverulenta
To maintain a smaller bushy shrub, and encourage new foliage many gardeners coppice E. pulverulenta every few years. Coppicing is simply the practice of cutting the plant right back to ground level and this is a species that responds well.
When planting out, ensure that the soil is well drained and that you choose a reasonably sunny position.
Water through the first summer, after that E. pulverulenta is reasonably drought tolerant.
Fertiliser is not usually required, you can use a little native plant fertiliser in particularly poor soils if required.
Soil Preparation
Good soil preparation improves early growth and long-term health.
- Dig through the planting area to at least 30–40 cm.
- Improve drainage by adding coarse sand or fine gravel in heavy soils.
- Incorporate organic matter such as compost, but avoid excessive richness.
- Do not over-fertilise—native plants prefer low-phosphorus conditions.
When to Plant
- Best planted in autumn or early spring in most Australian climates.
- Autumn planting allows roots to establish before summer heat.
- In colder regions, plant after frost risk has passed.
Planting Guide
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Position plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water in well to remove air pockets.
- Mulch lightly, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Pruning and Coppicing
This is a mallee type Eucalyptus and as such it is very easy to prune. In fact you can prune it right back to ground level and it will reshoot.
Why prune?
- Maintain compact shape.
- Encourage fresh juvenile foliage.
- Control height.
When to prune
- Late winter to early spring is ideal.
Coppicing
- Cut back to near ground level every 2–3 years.
- Encourages vigorous new shoots with rounded leaves.
This is the method used commercially for florist foliage production.
Garden and Landscaping Uses.
- The silvery/blue foliage makes Eucalyptus pulverulenta an interesting feature tree.
- Being fast growing it can be used as an informal hedge, visual screen or windbreak.
- The flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden.
- The smaller growing Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’ is suited to smaller gardens.
- Plant it with lower growing native plants such as Correa species and Westringia fruticosa, Underplant with Kangaroo grass or Creeping Boobialla.
- For those gardeners who also like flower arrangement the foliage make a very inteesting backing to other plant.
Flowers and Pollinators
- Cream to pale yellow flowers appear from winter through to summer.
- Attract bees and beneficial pollinators.
- Followed by decorative gum nuts.
Companion Planting
Eucalyptus pulverulenta pairs well with hardy, drought-tolerant natives.
Good companions include:
- Correa species for winter flowers.
- Westringia fruticosa for structure and contrast.
- Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla) as a ground cover.
- Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) for a naturalistic look.
These combinations work well in low-water gardens and coastal landscapes.
Propagation
- Typically grown from seed.
- Germination is reliable under warm conditions.
- Named cultivars like ‘Baby Blue’ are usually propagated from cuttings to maintain form.
Common Problems
- Poor drainage can lead to root issues.
- Leggy growth occurs in low light.
- Over-fertilising can reduce plant health.
Overall, it is a low-maintenance and resilient species.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Silver Dollar Gum, Silver leaved Mountain Gum, Baby Blue
- Botanical Name – Eucalyptus pulverulenta.
- Soil – Well drained to moist.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Foliage – New foliage is rounded and a silvery blue.
- Flowers – Creamy white.
- Flowering time – Autumn to summer.
- Growth Rate – Medium to Fast.
- Height – Dependant on climate to around 6 metres.
- Spread – Will form a crown of 3 metres.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Once established this is a reasonably drought tolerant species