Eucalyptus parvula Boxwood - Small-leaved Gum

The Eucalyptus parviflora (syn. parvula) 'Boxwood' is a selection of the Small-leaved Gum used in floristry for its pretty, highly fragrant small green foliage that repels mosquitoes. It is a small hardy tree, tolerant of a wide range of soils, drought-resistant, and also adaptable to cool and humid summers. If you garden on a terrace or have limited space in your garden, this elegant little eucalyptus is perfect for you. It is robust, low-maintenance, and attractive all year round. In warm climates, it flowers in late summer, autumn, or even winter, in the form of small cream-white pompons.

The Small-leaved Gum is a small tree from the Myrtaceae family, native to the plateaus of New South Wales and the state of Victoria in Australia. This ornamental and easy-to-grow species shows rapid growth and a spreading habit. Relatively small for the genus, this gum tree develops a twisted trunk, with low-branching, topped by a dense, bushy crown that sometimes hangs down to the ground. It will reach a height of 8 to 12m and a spread of 7m at maturity, but can be kept smaller with appropriate pruning. The 'Boxwood' variety has smaller leaves that somewhat resemble those of boxwood, and it has been awarded in England for its ornamental qualities and ease of cultivation.

The Eucalyptus parviflora 'Boxwood' has highly aromatic evergreen foliage. The juvenile leaves are small, dark green, opposite, ovate, and slightly pointed. The adult leaves are larger, olive green, lanceolate-shaped, like sickles. Flowering occurs between late August and November-December in our climates, on plants that are a few years old. They are actually apetalous flowers, spherical, composed of numerous creamy-white stamens tightly packed like pompons, about 1 cm in diameter. They emerge between the leaves, grouped in threes along the branches, and are followed by the formation of large green cone-shaped fruits that turn brown when ripe. The old gray bark peels off each year, remaining decorative for a long period. Unlike other species, Eucalyptus parviflora tolerates heavy and poorly drained, poor and chalky soils, as well as snowy winters.

The 'Boxwood' small-leaved gum can withstand both semi-mountainous and semi-arid climates in summer, and its cold resistance can go down to -18/-20°C. Because of its elegant habit and foliage, it makes a beautiful evergreen screen at the back of borders or on the edges of the garden, including in coastal areas. It adds an exotic touch to the garden, just like some hardy oleanders ('Luteum Plenum', 'Provence', 'Atlas'). However, this small tree is best appreciated when planted on its own. It can also be grown in a large container and pruned back each spring to control its growth.