Eucalyptus gunnii Azura ='Cagire'

Common name: Cider Gum 'Azura'

Description: Eucalyptus gunnii Azura ('Cagire') is a compact, slow-growing selection of the familiar cider gum, specially bred to remain at a more manageable size than the species while retaining the beautiful, intensely silver-blue rounded juvenile foliage for which eucalyptus is so admired. The aromatic, glaucous leaves provide year-round colour and are excellent for cutting and use in flower arrangements. Unlike the vigorous species, Azura is far better suited to UK garden conditions and can be maintained as a shrubby multi-stem or trained as a small standard. Its compact habit and extraordinary foliage colour make it one of the most desirable evergreen trees for UK gardens.

Other benefits: exceptional silver-blue foliage year-round; aromatic leaves excellent for cutting; compact — far more manageable than the species; good wind resistance once established

Wildlife attraction: bees attracted to the flowers when produced

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3–4m x 2–3m (can be pruned to maintain smaller)

Position: full sun; sheltered from strong cold winds when young; well-drained to dry soil

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid (pH 5.5–7.0); well-drained soil; tolerates clay if not waterlogged

Moisture: low to moderate; drought tolerant once established; excellent drainage important

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15°C when established; young plants may need protection in the first winter