Eucalyptus polyanthemos, 'Silver Plate'

Germination

Sow indoors in spring or summer, sow outside in autumn. Seed packet may contain chaff and seed, sow together, do not sow too thinly. Best sown in individual pots rather than trays. Indoors surface sow onto a soil-less compost which is barely moist. Ideal temp. 21°C. Germination takes from 14 days. If germination has not occurred after 4-6 weeks cold stratify. Move to 5° for 4-6 weeks then return to warmth for germination. Transplant seedlings when they have 3-4 true leaves to a 20cm pot. Dislikes root disturbance. Keep seedlings in bright light. Plant seedlings out to their permanent position by mid-summer. Sow directly in autumn, natural autumn warmth followed by winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms.

Growing

Prefers a slightly acidic soil in full sun. Will tolerate most soil types, but prefers a moist and free-draining soil. Offer shelter when young. Tolerant of our UK climate. Can survive to -5°C. When planting out in final position do not incorporate manure as this can lead to excessive leaf growth. Offer a deep mulch around the base of the plants to prevent the roots from freezing.

Cultivation

Pruning group 1, for tree growth. No routine pruning required. Remove diseased, damaged or congested crossing shoots. Prune in late winter or spring. After pruning mulch and feed.