You can grow a silver dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea) as a shrub by
regular pruning and
strategic planting.
Here's how:
Pruning:
* Start early: Begin pruning when your silver dollar eucalyptus is young.
* Pinch back: Regularly pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
* Cut back hard: Trim back stems to desired height and width. You can even prune them to the ground in the spring to promote a more compact shape.
* Timing: Prune during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) for optimal results.
Planting:
* Choose a suitable location: Silver dollar eucalyptus prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
* Space them properly: Plant them closer together than you would for a tree to encourage a more shrub-like shape. You can even plant them in containers to control their size.
Other Tips:
* Fertilize regularly: This will help promote healthy growth and encourage more branching.
* Water consistently: While they are drought tolerant, providing regular watering, especially in the summer, will help them thrive.
Important Note: Be aware that silver dollar eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree, so even with regular pruning, it may still get quite large. While they are generally considered relatively low-maintenance, they can be quite messy with leaves dropping throughout the year.
Alternatives:
If you want a shrub that looks similar to a silver dollar eucalyptus but doesn't require as much pruning, consider these options:
* "Silver Dollar" Grevillea: This shrub has silver-gray foliage similar to silver dollar eucalyptus but stays smaller and requires less pruning.
* Rosemary: Certain varieties of rosemary, like "Tuscan Blue", have silver-gray foliage similar to eucalyptus and are known for their upright, shrub-like habit.
Ultimately, growing a silver dollar eucalyptus as a shrub takes commitment and consistent effort. Be prepared to prune frequently, and you can achieve a beautiful, compact, and silver-leafed shrub.
