Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’

Description

 Quick Facts
– Botanical Name: Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’
– Common Name: Cider Gum ‘Azura’
– Plant Type: Evergreen tree
– Mature Height: Approx. 10-15m if left unchecked (easily kept to 3-4m by annual cutting back)
– Mature Spread: Approx. 5-7m
– Growth Rate: Fast
– Flowering Period: Summer to autumn, on mature trees
– Flower Colour: Creamy-white, fluffy blossom
– Foliage Colour: Rounded, silvery-blue juvenile leaves, aromatic when crushed; young stems are tinged with plum
– Bark: Smooth and peeling, in creamy-grey and tan tones
– Habit: Upright and elegant, with an airy canopy
– Hardiness: Fully hardy, one of the hardiest eucalyptus
– Soil Requirements: Well-drained; tolerates most soils, including clay, but dislikes waterlogging
– Aspect: Full sun; tolerates some exposure
– Maintenance: Low to moderate: prune annually if you want to keep it compact and retain the juvenile foliage

Description
Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ is a beautiful, fast-growing evergreen that brings soft silvery-blue colour to the garden all year round. The rounded, powdery-blue leaves sit along graceful, plum-tinged stems and release a lovely, fresh fragrance when brushed or crushed. It is a favourite of flower arrangers, and the stems are lovely cut for the house.

As the tree matures, the smooth bark begins to peel in patches of cream, grey and tan, adding a sculptural quality, and in summer and autumn fluffy cream blossom draws in bees. ‘Azura’ is also remarkably tough, standing up to cold winters far better than most eucalyptus.

Silvery, scented and wonderfully easy, ‘Azura’ is a tree that makes a big impression quickly.

Caragh Garden Notebook

Planting:
Plant in spring, ideally, so the roots have a full season to settle before winter, although autumn planting is fine in milder gardens. Choose a sunny, open position in well-drained soil. Plant at the same depth as the pot, firm in gently and water in thoroughly. Eucalyptus dislike root disturbance, so handle the rootball with care. Stake firmly for the first two years, as fast-growing trees can rock in the wind before the roots anchor.

Watering:
Water regularly through the first two growing seasons, especially in dry spells. Once established it is very drought tolerant. In containers, water when the top of the compost feels dry and make sure the pot drains freely.

Feeding:
Feed lightly. A balanced general fertiliser in spring is plenty, as eucalyptus prefer lean soil and too much feeding encourages soft, sappy growth.

Seasonal Care & Tidy-Up:
Left alone, ‘Azura’ grows into a large tree. To keep it compact and to encourage a constant supply of the rounded blue juvenile foliage, cut back hard each spring, down to a low framework or stool (coppicing), as eucalyptus regrow vigorously. Do this once the worst frosts have passed. Remove dead or damaged branches at any time.

Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. Poor drainage and waterlogged soil are the main risks. Eucalyptus can occasionally suffer from psyllids (sap-sucking insects that leave a sticky residue) and leaf spot, but these rarely harm a healthy tree. Keep it away from drains and close to buildings, as the roots are vigorous.

Design Notes:
‘Azura’ is a great choice for adding fast height and soft blue-silver colour to a border, gravel garden or lawn. Its cool tones look lovely with purple foliage, white flowers, ornamental grasses and Mediterranean planting such as lavender and Salvia. In a large container it makes a statement on a terrace. Grow it as a pruned shrub for tidy, colourful foliage in a smaller space, or let it grow on as a graceful specimen tree.

Propagation:
Eucalyptus are usually grown from seed by specialist nurseries and rarely root from cuttings. For reliable form and foliage, always source nursery-grown plants.