Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. hedraia Falls Creek

The Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. hedraia Falls Creek is a White Gum native to a very restricted geographical area in southern Australia. This small tree or large evergreen shrub with multiple trunks is appreciated for its highly ornamental bark, which combines different colours. It has a relatively dense and bushy habit, forming an irregular crown. Its juvenile foliage is also beautiful, with ovate leaves of a beautiful bluish hue. The white flowering in small pompoms that contrasts nicely with the foliage adds to its ornamental interest. It has good hardiness growing in full sun and in neutral to acidic soil.

The Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. hedraia Falls Creek is a member of the vast family of Myrtaceae, which includes approximately 130 genera of plants from tropical and warm temperate regions. Many of them are extensively planted in gardens (Callistemon, Leptospermum, Myrtus), including the Eucalyptus, which is rich in about 800 species, almost all native to Australia.

The natural range of this species is limited to Mount Bogong, the highest point of the Victorian Alps at almost 2000 m (6562ft) altitude, as well as the nearby Falls Creek ski resort (altitude 1400 to 1840 m (4593 to 6037ft)). This mountainous Eucalyptus is, therefore, subject to a contrasting climate, with cold and snowy winters and mild to hot summers, without a true marked dry season. This relatively slow-growing species eventually forms a small tree, or a mallee, an Aboriginal term for a bushy shrub branching from the base and measuring less than 10 m (33ft). The tree form can reach up to 10 m (33ft) in height in its native habitat, while in our latitudes, it will measure from 6 to 10 m (20 to 33ft), with a practically comparable spread. The trunk is adorned with highly ornamental smooth bark, interlacing grey, white, pale brown and yellow hues. This Eucalyptus has a significant regeneration capacity thanks to its lignotuber. This is an underground swelling rich in starch, capable of producing numerous shoots if the aboveground part of the plant is destroyed (typically by fire). The regrowth is thus denser than the original plant after this coppicing. This characteristic, possessed by many Eucalyptus species, is fascinating from an ornamental point of view, as it allows for severe pruning, which, on the one hand, limits the plant's development, on the other hand, promotes branching and finally stimulates the formation of juvenile foliage, which in many species is more decorative than adult foliage. This is the case with Falls Creek, where the foliage takes an oval shape, with a swollen lamina at the base, tapering to a point and taking on a beautiful bluish colour. The leaves measure from 5.5 to 9 cm (2 to 4in) long by 3 to 5.5 cm (1 to 2in) wide and have short petioles. The adult foliage is variable, with alternate and petiolate lanceolate leaves ranging from wide to narrow or falcate. Green to bluish-green, they contain essential oils that are released when crushed.

The flowering takes on the usual appearance of small white pompoms formed by umbels comprising 9 to 15 apetalous flowers. These are the stamens in clusters that are admired. The flowering is quite variable and takes place between October and February and evolves into small cup-shaped or cylindrical fruits without ornamental interest.

This species demonstrates excellent adaptability in terms of soil and climatic conditions. It grows equally well in neutral to acidic soils and also tolerates limestone. It is also tolerant of heat and even drought, allowing it to acclimate to most regions.

The Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. hedraia 'Falls Creek' is one of the most exciting species, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) and beyond, provided it is planted in well-drained soil. This highly ornamental large shrub or small tree will bring a breath of exoticism to the gardens of cooler regions. To create a delightfully exotic scene, plant the Asimina triloba Allegheny alongside it. This hardy small tree produces mango-like fruits in shape and taste, with hints of banana flavour. Also consider the Persimmon, such as the Diospyros kaki Tipo, a small tree with dark green glossy foliage that evokes distant lands and produces delicious orange fruits. To complete your flower bed, plant clumps of ginger lilies, such as the Hedychium coccineum Tara, with a fiercely tropical appearance featuring long, shiny green leaves and spikes of yellow-orange flowers.