Eucalyptus camphora subsp camphora

Eucalyptus camphora subsp camphora or Swamp Gum is native to southern Australia. Its leaves give off a strong camphor-like smell. It's a vigorous species that quickly forms a 10 m (32 ft 10 in) tall tree. Do not confuse it with Eucalyptus camphora subsp humeana which can grow larger. The heart-shaped form of its juvenile leaves is very decorative. Its buds and young shoots are golden and purple. Its adult foliage is olive green. It also has pretty white pompon flowers. It is hardy up to around -13° C. It grows in dry as well as humid and heavy soil, in the sun or semi-shade.

Eucalyptus camphora subsp camphora is a species native to New South Wales. Like all Eucalyptus, it belongs to the myrtle family. Its growth is rapid, it forms a small tree measuring about 10 m (32 ft 10 in) tall and 4.50 m (14 ft 10 in) wide, depending on growing conditions. Its bark is smooth and grey to green, rough and brown to grey towards the bottom. The juvenile leaves are round, heart-shaped, green to blue-green. The adult leaves, pendulous, quite large and thinner are elliptical or lanceolate. They measure from 6 to 13 cm (2.4 to 5.1 in) long and are olive green. This foliage gives off a strong camphor-like smell when crushed. The flowering spreads from November to May, depending on the climate and the years. Generally, it appears in February-March. The flowers are grouped by 3 at the axil of the leaves in white glomerules. This eucalyptus has a lignotuber just below the soil surface. This organ allows it to regrow from the stump in case of severe frost, fire or pruning to the ground. This species is said to withstand snow and cold well. Its shallow root system is less dangerous for buildings and less competitive with other garden plants and its vegetation only offers very light shade.

Eucalyptus camphora subsp camphora grows in the sun, but also tolerates semi-shade. Its heart-shaped juvenile leaves are very popular with florists and in floral art. It brings a touch of exoticism to the garden, planted alone or in a hedge with other relatively hardy bushes like Buddleia 'Lochinch' and 'Bicolor' or certain oleanders (Luteum Plenum, 'Provence', 'Atlas'). It is easy to contain by pruning. Finally, it is an ornamental plant at all stages of its growth. Undemanding in terms of soil, it is useful in a permanently wet area, but can also be grown in normal to drier soil.