Eucalyptus cinerea - Argyle Apple seeds

Eucalyptus cinerea or 'Silver Dollar' tree is highly valued in floristry for its juvenile foliage with metallic highlights that resemble silver dollar coins. In the garden, this variety is interesting for its good cold resistance and reasonable growth. It is a small tree with picturesque habit and bark, which remains decorative even in winter. Whether planted individually, in clusters or as hedges, Eucalyptus always adds an exotic and elegant touch to the garden. This 'Silver Dollar' variety can also be grown in pots with regular pruning. Its pleasantly aromatic foliage is reputed to repel mosquitoes. It thrives in well-drained, moderately moist, non-chalky soil.

Eucalyptus cinerea 'Silver Dollar' is a small tree of the Myrtaceae family. The cinerea species is native to southeastern Australia. The 'Silver Dollar' selection grows rapidly and has a naturally spreading habit, with branches that can trail on the ground. At the age of 10, it will reach approximately 10m (33ft) high and 5-6m (16-20ft) wide if not pruned. Eventually, it can reach 15m (49ft) high and 8-10m (26-33ft) wide. When pruned annually in spring, it will become wider and extremely dense, but shorter. Its evergreen foliage releases a minty aroma when crushed. Note that this cultivar produces almost no adult leaves, which are larger and more elongated than the juvenile leaves. In a mature specimen, the foliage is mainly composed of round juvenile leaves and intermediate leaves. Its bark is more persistent than that of the majority of eucalyptus trees and exfoliates very little. It is dull grey, thick, fibrous, rough and channelled with varying shades of orange mahogany depending on the season. The juvenile foliage consists of small, round or heart-shaped leaves, with glaucous metallic silver reflections. The insignificant flowers bloom in May-June. They are slightly fragrant white flowers in the shape of tiny pom-poms, which are highly visited by insects. The Eucalyptus cinerea adapts to clay or sandy soils but does not like chalky and very dry soils. A well-established specimen can withstand brief frosts of around -10 to -12°C (14 to 10.4°F).

The 'Silver Dollar' Eucalyptus works well in predominantly white or silver composiyions. It adds an exotic touch to the garden when planted as a hedge with other shrubs, in groups, or individually. For example, you can combine it with purple foliage plants (Sambucus Black Lace, Cotinus Royal Purple) or golden ones (Catalpa bignonioides Aurea, Golden Honey Locust). On the terrace, its lightness and the brightness of its foliage will bring a beautiful touch of light. Its lovely, rounded and subtly coloured foliage allows for beautiful combinations with many cut flowers. Lastly, it is an elegant plant at all stages of its growth, from young to adult.