EUCALYPTUS cinerea, also known as the Argyle apple, Mealy stringybark and silver dollar tree, is popular with florists because of its distinctive leaves. A broadleaf evergreen, it will grow as a single-trunk tree to 60 feet in Australia although, in cultivation, a height of 20 to 30 feet is more usual.
The species’ white flowers, which appear in mid-spring to early summer, are not particularly significant. The peeling reddish-brown bark, however, is quite attractive.
But the biggest drawcard remains the juvenile foliage, which consists of opposite, rounded, silvery bluish-green leaves up to two inches long. The leaves are not only beautifully shaped and coloured, but also highly aromatic. Argyle apple is tough, not particular about soil and reasonably drought tolerant.
Young stock have been potted on at the Peacehaven nursery, and should be available for sale just in time for Christmas.