Heirloom

Silver Dollar

Eucalyptus cinerea

Wikimedia Commons

The most popular foliage for fresh, dried, or preserved use for large bunches and decorating. Also known as gum and euc. Tender perennial in Zones 9-11.

Harvest

120-150d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

8–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

15-52 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Showing dates for Silver Dollar in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 shrub →

Zone Map

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Silver Dollar · Zones 8–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

WaterModerate; drought tolerant once established

SeasonTender Perennial

ColorSilver-gray

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	June – August	—	—
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	—
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	—
Zone 10	—	March – April	—	—
Zone 11	—	February – March	—	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 52 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal.

Harvesting

Capsule contains many seeds

Type: Capsule.

Storage & Preservation

Silver Dollar foliage stores best at cool room temperature (60–70°F) in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for optimal color retention. For short-term storage, place stems in water in a cool location; foliage will last 2–3 weeks fresh. Preservation methods: (1) Air-drying—bundle stems loosely and hang upside-down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space for 1–2 weeks; (2) Glycerin preservation—submerge stems in a 1:1 solution of glycerin and water for 2–3 weeks for flexible, long-lasting foliage; (3) Pressing—place individual leaves between paper under weight for flat decorative elements lasting months to years.

History & Origin

Origin: Australia

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Bark, Leaves, Sap/Juice): High severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

The best companions for Silver Dollar eucalyptus share one trait: they're adapted to lean, fast-draining soil and don't need much water once they're going. Lavender, rosemary, and sage are the obvious picks — all Mediterranean plants that want the same dry, sunny conditions and won't fight over moisture. Yarrow and catmint fill in the gaps nicely and pull in predatory wasps and hoverflies, which keep soft-bodied pest pressure from building up on stressed plants. Ornamental grasses and sedum work well at the base, where their shallow roots stay out of the way and they handle the dry conditions under the canopy without needing any extra attention from you.

What you want to avoid is anything that demands regular irrigation or brings allelopathic baggage. Mint is a problem on both counts — it spreads by runner, wants consistent moisture, and will create a constant fight over how you manage the bed. Black walnut is the more serious issue: juglone, the compound black walnut produces, moves through the soil across a wide root zone and is toxic to a surprising range of plants. Eucalyptus cinerea appears to be sensitive, so give the two a wide berth if you have a walnut on your property. Also worth knowing: eucalyptus is allelopathic itself — the leaf litter releases cineole and other compounds that suppress germination and slow growth of nearby plants, so keep any low-growing annuals or seedling beds at least several feet clear of where the leaves drop.

Plant Together

Lavender

Repels pests like aphids and moths while attracting beneficial pollinators

Rosemary

Deters harmful insects and thrives in similar well-draining soil conditions

Marigold

Natural pest deterrent that repels nematodes and various garden insects

Catmint

Repels rodents and insects while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Yarrow

Improves soil health and attracts beneficial insects for pest control

Sage

Repels cabbage moths and other pests while tolerating similar growing conditions

Sedum

Provides ground cover and attracts beneficial insects without competing for resources

Ornamental Grasses

Provides textural contrast and wind protection without root competition

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many plants including eucalyptus species

Mint

Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm and compete heavily for soil nutrients

Eucalyptus

Allelopathic compounds can inhibit growth of nearby plants

Troubleshooting Silver Dollar

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Leaves turning brown and crispy at the tips, sometimes progressing inward, on plants in their first season

Likely Causes

Frost or freeze damage — Silver Dollar is cold-hardy only to about 15–20°F and will burn at the leaf margins below that
Wind desiccation, especially on young plants that haven't hardened off yet

What to Do

1.Cut damaged growth back to live wood in spring; the plant almost always pushes new growth from the base or lower stems
2.Wrap young plants with burlap before hard freezes and mulch the root zone 3–4 inches deep to protect the crown
3.Plant against a south-facing wall or structure to buffer cold wind if you're at the edge of zone 8

Yellowing leaves with a generally washed-out look, slow growth, plant not putting on much size after 60–90 days in the ground

Likely Causes

Waterlogged or poorly drained soil — Eucalyptus cinerea hates wet feet and will stall out or develop root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in heavy clay
Overfertilizing with nitrogen, which pushes soft growth but masks nutrient uptake problems

What to Do

1.Check drainage: dig down 6 inches after a rain and see if water is pooling; if it is, amend with coarse sand and compost or move the plant to a raised bed
2.Hold off on any fertilizer for 4–6 weeks and let the soil dry out between waterings
3.If root rot is suspected, pull the plant, trim blackened roots back to white tissue, dust with sulfur powder, and replant in fresh, fast-draining mix

Sticky residue on stems and leaves, small clusters of soft-bodied insects along new growth tips

Likely Causes

Aphid colonies (often Cinara species) moving in on stressed plants — container-grown stock is especially prone
Plants stressed by drought or poor drainage are far more susceptible than established, thriving ones

What to Do

1.Blast new growth with a strong stream of water to knock aphids off; repeat every 3–4 days for two weeks
2.Spray with insecticidal soap (2 tablespoons per gallon of water) directly on the insects — coverage on the undersides of leaves matters more than the tops
3.Address the underlying stress first: a well-watered, well-drained plant in full sun will outgrow light infestations on its own

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Silver Dollar foliage last when dried?▼

Properly air-dried Silver Dollar foliage lasts 6–12 months or longer when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Glycerin-preserved stems remain flexible and supple for over a year. Keep dried arrangements in low-humidity conditions to prevent mold and maintain color vibrancy.

Can you grow Silver Dollar in containers?▼

Yes, Silver Dollar grows well in large containers (at least 12–18 inches deep) filled with well-draining potting soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and place in full sun (6+ hours daily). Container-grown plants are ideal for colder climates where you can move them indoors during winter as a tender perennial.

Is Silver Dollar good for beginners?▼

Silver Dollar is rated moderate difficulty, making it suitable for intermediate growers rather than complete beginners. It requires consistent care, full sun exposure, and attention to watering. However, its popularity and straightforward propagation methods make it quite manageable for gardeners willing to learn proper cultivation techniques.

When should I plant Silver Dollar?▼

Plant Silver Dollar after the last spring frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. In Zones 9–11, it can be planted in early spring or autumn. As a tender perennial, it will die back in zones colder than 9 unless grown in containers and brought indoors during winter months.

How much water does Silver Dollar need?▼

Silver Dollar prefers moderate, consistent watering during the growing season. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in winter months, especially for container-grown or indoor plants.

What is Silver Dollar best used for?▼

Silver Dollar is prized for fresh and dried floral arrangements, decorative bunches, and dried crafts. Its distinctive round, silvery foliage is perfect for wedding arrangements, table settings, and home decor. It's commonly used in both commercial and residential floral design for its long-lasting beauty and visual appeal.