Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ Care Guide

Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’, often called Cider Gum ‘Azura’, is a hardy, compact eucalyptus variety known for its silvery-blue juvenile foliage and resilience in cooler climates. Unlike larger eucalyptus types, ‘Azura’ stays more manageable in size, making it ideal for gardens, patios, or even large containers. Its striking evergreen leaves, aromatic fragrance, and decorative peeling bark provide year-round appeal. With the right care, ‘Azura’ is a beautiful feature plant that’s surprisingly easy to grow.

Planting & Position

Getting the position right helps this eucalyptus establish strong roots and healthy growth.

• Light requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun, though it will tolerate very light shade.

  • Best colour develops in bright, open positions.

• Soil:

  • Prefers well-draining soil; tolerates a wide range from sandy to loamy.

  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

  • Neutral to slightly acidic pH is best.

• Planting time:

  • Spring or early autumn gives the best results, allowing roots to settle before extremes of heat or frost.

• Spacing & growth habit:

  • Mature height: around 3–4 m in 7–10 years, slower and smaller than standard Eucalyptus gunnii.

  • Plant at least 2 m from walls, fences, or structures to allow natural spread.

• Container growing:

  • Can be grown in a large container for many years.

  • Use loam-based compost (such as John Innes No.3) with added grit for drainage.

Care & Maintenance

Though hardy and vigorous, Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ benefits from seasonal care to stay compact and healthy.

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first year until well established.

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant but will appreciate extra water in prolonged dry spells.

  • Container-grown plants need consistent watering, especially in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in spring to encourage fresh foliage.

  • Container specimens benefit from monthly liquid feed during the growing season.

• Pruning & shaping:

  • Can be coppiced (cut back hard to a low framework) in spring to encourage dense, decorative juvenile foliage.

  • Alternatively, prune lightly to maintain a tree-like form.

  • Always use sharp, clean tools and avoid cutting into old, thick wood where regrowth is slower.

• Mulching:

  • Apply mulch around the base in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Keep mulch clear of the trunk to avoid rot.

• Pests & diseases:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free.

  • Occasional leaf scorch can occur in very hot, dry, or windy sites.

• Hardiness:

  • ‘Azura’ is one of the hardiest eucalyptus selections, tolerating temperatures down to around -20°C once established.

  • Protect young plants in severe frost with horticultural fleece.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

This versatile eucalyptus adds bold structure and a touch of the exotic to gardens of all sizes.

• Foliage effect:

  • Striking blue-grey juvenile leaves are rounded and waxy, adding a cool, modern contrast in planting schemes.

  • Older leaves develop into elongated shapes, still with silvery tones.

• Containers & patios:

  • Perfect in a large pot as a focal feature, especially when regularly pruned for foliage.

  • Pair with lavender, grasses, or silver-leaved plants for a Mediterranean look.

• Borders & beds:

  • Works well as a backdrop in mixed borders or as a specimen tree in lawns.

• Cut foliage:

  • Popular for flower arranging, providing long-lasting, fragrant stems.

• All-year interest:

  • Evergreen foliage ensures structure in winter.

  • Decorative peeling bark adds texture and seasonal charm.

• Wildlife value:

  • Flowers (when allowed to mature) are attractive to pollinators such as bees.

In summary: Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ is a hardy, compact, and stylish tree that provides year-round interest with its silvery-blue foliage and aromatic scent. Easy to grow in borders or large containers, it thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and requires only light feeding, watering in dry spells, and occasional pruning. Perfect for gardeners seeking a bold focal point that combines hardiness with decorative elegance.

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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