Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. debeuzevillei Mt Selwyn - Jounama snow gum

Eucalyptus gregsoniana, synonym of E. pauciflora var. nana, is a lovely dwarf form of Eucalyptus pauciflora, also known as Snow Gum. This evergreen bush is appreciated for its remarkable bark, which peels off in large ribbons and develops a patchwork appearance with age, combining cream-white, grey, and brown-red hues. It is also admired for its massive spring flowering with white pompoms. Its persistent and leathery foliage, composed of long greyish leaves, is beautifully showcased on the dark red young shoots. This plant makes a beautiful addition to a small garden. Being one of the most cold-resistant eucalyptus species, it can adapt to various regions as long as it receives sunlight and well-drained soil that is not overly dry or calcareous.

Eucalyptus gregsoniana is a beautiful bush belonging to the myrtle family, native to southeastern Australia, specifically the Blue Mountains, the Budawang Range, and the southern region of Braidwood in southeastern New South Wales. This subspecies grows in high-altitude valleys where frosts are not uncommon. This Snow Gum is modest in size compared to other eucalyptus species, with multiple trunks originating from its stump, a growth habit known as mallee. At maturity, it reaches 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in spread. Its growth rate is slow to very slow. An adult specimen can survive short frosts ranging from -12 to -15°C (10.4 to 5°F) if planted in well-drained soil that does not retain excessive water. Once established, this small eucalyptus can tolerate temporary droughts in deep soil.

The young red branches of this eucalyptus bear evergreen foliage in winter, composed of long narrow and pointed leaves measuring 10 cm (4in), which are leathery, quite glossy, initially green, and then acquire a more glaucous to greyish hue. They have a slight aromatic fragrance when crushed. Flowering occurs between April and May in our climates, on plants that are a few years old. The flowers are actually apetalous, spherical, consisting of numerous tightly packed cream-white stamens resembling pompoms. They bloom 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 bark, reddish-brown adorned with grey patches, peels off in large flakes each year, revealing a freshly striated bark in shades of white-blue, cream, cinnamon, and almond green.

Eucalyptus gregsoniana deserves to be tried in a small garden, placed prominently. It creates a beautiful mass of light foliage and works wonders in groves. This bush adds a touch of exoticism to the garden, especially when planted as a hedge with other relatively hardy exotic species such as Erythrina, Acca sellowiana, certain Oleanders (Luteum Plenum, 'Provence', 'Atlas'), or even an Azara in a well-sheltered garden.