Eucalyptus pulverulenta, 'Baby Blue'

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 as this plant dislikes root disturbance, a 20cm pot is ideal. Indoors surface sow onto a soil-less or acidic compost which is moist. Just cover seeds with a sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. Cover pot with plastic or glass to maintain moisture within the soil. Avoid top watering, mist or gently bottom water if required. 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 weeks then return to warmth for germination. 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. Offer shelter when young. Tolerant of our UK climate. Can be left unpruned as a small tree or coppiced. Young foliage is striking which makes it ideal for cutting. If growing for foliage you will need to cut the main, central stem when it reaches 20cm approx., cut just above the leaves, this will allow side shoots to form and will create a bushy habit. If let uncut this plant will grow on into a tree.

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. The young growth is particularly attractive. If you wish to stool cut growth back to 30cm or so in early June, annually, Pruning group 7.