Eucalyptus gregsoniana

Eucalyptus pauciflora var. nana, also known as gregsoniana, is a lovely dwarf form of the Eucalyptus pauciflora, also called Snow Gum. This evergreen bush will be appreciated for its remarkable bark, which peels off in large ribbons and takes on the appearance of a patchwork with age, mixing white, cream, grey, and brown-red, but also for its massive flowering of white pompons in spring. Its persistent and leathery long grey leaves are highlighted on the dark red young shoots. This plant is a beautiful subject to adopt in a small garden. Among the most cold-resistant, this eucalyptus will adapt to many regions as long as it is given sunlight and well-drained soil that is not too dry or chalky.

Eucalyptus pauciflora var. nana is a beautiful bush from the myrtle family, native to southeastern Australia, specifically the Blue Mountains, the Budawang Range, and the south of Braidwood in southeastern New South Wales. This subspecies grows in high-altitude valleys where frosts are not uncommon. Of modest size for the genus, this gum tree develops several trunks from its stump, a habit referred to as mallee. It will reach a height of 3 to 4 m (10 ft to 13 ft) and a spread of 3 m (10 ft) at maturity. Its growth is slow to very slow. A mature specimen will survive short frosts of around -12 to -15°C (53.6 to 59 °F) if planted in soil that does not retain too much water. Once well-established, this small eucalyptus will tolerate temporary droughts in deep soil.

The young red branches of this eucalyptus have persistent winter foliage, composed of long, narrow, pointed, leathery leaves measuring 10 cm (3.9 in), quite shiny, initially green, then taking on a more glaucous to grey hue. They are slightly aromatic when crushed. Flowering occurs between April and May on plants that are a few years old. These are actually petal-less, round flowers, composed of a multitude of closely packed white to cream stamens resembling pompons. They open 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, reddish-brown bark, adorned with grey patches, peels off in large flakes every year, revealing a brand new bark streaked with white-blue, cream, cinnamon, and almond green.

Eucalyptus pauciflora var. nana deserves to be placed prominently in a small garden. It forms a beautiful mass of light foliage and works wonders in groves. This bush brings a touch of exoticism to the garden, planted in a hedge with other relatively hardy exotic species such as erythrines, Feijoa, certain laurier roses (Luteum Plenum, 'Provence', 'Atlas'), or even an Azara in a well-sheltered garden.