The Silver Dollar Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea) is an evergreen tree native to Australia, prized for its distinctive, juvenile foliage. The leaves are characteristically rounded or coin-shaped, displaying a silvery-blue to blue-green color. Its aromatic branches are a fixture in the floral industry, frequently used in bouquets and decorative arrangements. Propagation can be accomplished through either stem cuttings or sowing seeds, both requiring careful attention to preparation and environment.
Essential Preparation and Timing
Successful propagation requires proper timing and clean, prepared materials. For cuttings, the ideal window is late spring into early summer (June or July), when the parent plant is actively growing but the new wood has begun to firm up (semi-hardwood). Propagating from seed is best done in the spring, allowing seedlings maximum time to develop before winter.
All tools, particularly pruning shears, must be sterilized with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent transmitting disease. The rooting medium should be loose and well-aerated, such as a mix of peat-free compost and perlite, ensuring adequate drainage and oxygen. Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots free of pests and damage as parent material to maximize rooting potential.
Propagating Using Cuttings
Vegetative propagation through cuttings is often preferred for maintaining the exact genetic characteristics of the parent plant. Select semi-hardwood stems, which are firm but slightly flexible, and cut sections 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Make the cut cleanly just below a leaf node, the point where rooting hormones naturally concentrate.
To prepare the cutting, strip away all leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem to prevent rotting in the moist medium. Dipping the fresh cut end into a powdered or gel rooting hormone significantly increases the probability of successful root formation. Insert the treated cutting into the prepared medium, ensuring the buried portion includes at least one or two nodes.
The planted cuttings require high humidity and consistent warmth, ideally 65–75°F (18–24°C), to encourage rooting. Placing a clear plastic bag or dome over the pot creates a mini-greenhouse environment that retains moisture. Position the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct sun can scorch the tender foliage.
Growing from Seed
Growing Eucalyptus cinerea from seed offers a different approach, though it can result in more genetic variability compared to cuttings. This species benefits from cold stratification, which mimics the natural winter conditions needed to break seed dormancy. Place seeds in a moist, inert medium like vermiculite or sand, seal them in a plastic bag, and chill them in a refrigerator for four to six weeks.
After chilling, lightly broadcast the tiny seeds over the surface of a sterile seed-starting mix. The seeds only need to be lightly covered, if at all, as they require light to germinate. Maintaining a consistent temperature around 70°F (21°C) will encourage germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks.
Keep the seed trays consistently moist but not waterlogged, which can lead to damping-off disease. Since Eucalyptus seedlings are sensitive to root disturbance, sowing them directly into individual deep cells or containers is recommended. Once the seedlings sprout, immediately move them to a location with bright light to prevent them from becoming weak and elongated.
Caring for New Growth
Once a cutting has rooted or a seedling has developed its first true leaves, the next phase involves careful acclimation. The young plants must be gradually “hardened off” by slowly exposing them to outdoor conditions, including temperature fluctuations and wind, over about a week. This process transitions them from the high-humidity propagation setting to the open air.
New plants thrive in full sun exposure, which encourages dense, healthy growth and silvery foliage. Watering should be consistent during this early stage, keeping the well-draining soil moist but allowing the surface to dry slightly between applications. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot.
When rooted cuttings show new growth or seedlings reach approximately 6 inches in height, they are ready to be potted up or transplanted. Choose a container only slightly larger than the current one to prevent excess soil from holding too much moisture around the developing root ball. If transplanting into the garden, select a spot with well-drained soil, as Eucalyptus cinerea is intolerant of standing water.