Baby Blue Eucalyptus is a compact, silvery-blue foliaged tree native to southern New South Wales, Australia, prized by florists and gardeners for its coin-shaped leaves and highly fragrant stems. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, this small spreading shrub grows to just 25 inches tall and matures in 120 to 150 days, producing creamy white flowers in fall and spring. Its delicate, powdery blue-grey foliage makes it exceptional for fresh or dried arrangements, earning it the common names silver-leaved mountain gum and Florist Silver Dollar.
12
Full Sun
High
9-11
25in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The silvery-blue, coin-shaped leaves are distinctive enough to anchor any arrangement, fresh or dried, and the foliage releases an intoxicating fragrance when brushed or handled. Its compact growth habit and slow maturation make it manageable in containers or small garden spaces, yet it produces abundant stems suited to professional florists and home arrangers alike. The creamy white flowers that emerge in fall and spring add seasonal interest beyond the prized foliage.
Baby Blue Eucalyptus is primarily grown for its exceptional cut and dried foliage, which serves as a staple in floral design. Fresh stems can be arranged immediately in water or hung to dry naturally, and the foliage can be preserved in a glycerin and water solution to maintain pliability and appearance. The highly fragrant leaves and stems make it valuable for dried arrangements, wreaths, and decorative home displays where the subtle fragrance is appreciated.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your average last frost date in a seedling container, maintaining soil temperature at 65 to 75°F. Press seeds lightly into the surface without covering them completely, and bottom water or mist gently to avoid displacing seeds. Seedlings emerge within 6 to 15 days and are sensitive to root disturbance, so handle with care during transplanting.
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12 inches apart in full sun locations with well-draining soil. In short growing seasons, apply solar mulch around transplants to accelerate growth toward maturity.
Direct sowing is possible 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, pressing seeds into the soil surface. This method is less recommended than transplanting, as it extends the time to harvest maturity.
Harvest foliage for fresh cutting in the morning when stems are hydrated and leaves are at their freshest. Cut with a clean knife dipped in a 10% household bleach solution to prevent disease transmission and prolong vase life. For dried foliage, wait until leaves begin to feel leathery and stems become woody, typically 120 to 150 days after germination. Cut stems can be hung to dry naturally or preserved in a solution of equal parts glycerin and water, which results in more durable, pliable stems with a freshly cut appearance.
As a compact, spreading tree or shrub with a naturally controlled growth habit, Baby Blue Eucalyptus requires minimal structural pruning. Prune spent flower stems and any crossing or crowded branches to maintain the plant's airy, open form and encourage vigorous foliage production for cutting.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Baby Blue Eucalyptus hails from southern New South Wales in Australia, where it grows naturally in native eucalyptus forests. The cultivar became widely recognized among florists in the 20th century for its superior silvery foliage and coin-like leaves, leading to its adoption as a specialty cut flower crop. Its journey from native Australian tree to beloved florist staple reflects the global appreciation for eucalyptus as both a decorative and fragrant plant.”