Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora Adaminaby

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora 'Adaminaby' is a Snow Gum native to southern Australia. It forms a medium-sized tree, occasionally taller, and sometimes a large bush with multiple trunks. Particularly appreciated for its highly ornamental bark, where grey, white and cream mingle, it adopts a slender habit, forming a more or less rounded crown. Its juvenile foliage is also attractive, with its leaves of a pretty bluish-green. The white flowering in small pompoms, which stand out well on the darker foliage, is a further asset for this species. Growing in acidic, neutral or slightly chalky soils, it is moderately hardy and should be planted in a sunny exposure.

The Eucalyptus is a tree of the Myrtaceae family, like the Feijoa, the Callistemon or the Myrtle, with the characteristic flowering of this family. The Eucalyptus genus, bound to Australia, except for a few rare species from Southeast Asia, has more than 800 species, among which are the tallest leafy trees in the world (E. regnans), but also medium-sized bushes. Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora grows naturally in a very large geographical area, extending from southeast Queensland, covering the east of New South Wales to the state of Victoria and Tasmania. This wide dispersion has generated different forms, often named after their locality or region of origin. Adaminaby is a small locality situated more than 1000 m (3280 ft 10 in) above sea level in the Snowy Mountains, south of the capital Canberra. This Snow Gum is exposed to a contrasting climate, mild to hot in summer, becoming cold and snowy in winter.
This species forms a tree, or a mallee, an aboriginal term for a ramified bush from the base measuring less than 10 m (32 ft 10 in), usually 5 to 6 m (16 ft 5 in to 19 ft 8 in). The tree form can reach up to 30 m (98 ft 5 in) high and nearly 20 m (65 ft 7 in) wide, while under our latitudes, it will peak between 12 to 15 m (39 ft 5 in to 49 ft 2 in) in height, and a spread of about 8 m. The trunk is dressed in a very ornamental smooth bark, predominantly in shades of white, cream and grey, with yellow inserts. This Eucalyptus presents a significant regeneration capacity thanks to its lignotuber. It is an underground swelling rich in starch, capable of emitting many shoots if the aerial part of the plant is destroyed (typically by a fire). The regrowth is bushier than the original plant after this pruning. This characteristic possessed by many Eucalyptus is particularly interesting from an ornamental point of view, as it allows severe prunings, which allows you to limit the development of the plant, to make it branch well and finally stimulate the formation of juvenile foliage, which in many species, is more decorative than the adult foliage. This is the case with Adaminaby, where it has a lanceolate to elliptical shape, of a glaucous and matt bluish green. These juvenile leaves measure from 4.5 to 17 cm (1.8 to 6.7 in) long and 2 to 8.5 cm (0.8 to 3.3 in) wide, and are sessile. The adult foliage is a little larger, lanceolate to crescent-shaped, measuring up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and 5 cm (2 in) in width. It takes on a slightly shiny green colour and gives off a pleasant eucalyptol smell when crushed, due to the presence of glands rich in essential oils.
Belying its species name (pauciflora means "which bears few flowers"), this Eucalyptus displays a particularly abundant and decorative flowering, in the form of white pompoms that contrast well with the darker vegetation. Axillary umbels gather from 9 to 15 flowers (and sometimes significantly more) that display spreading stamens in all directions, making one forget the absence of petals. This flowering usually occurs between October and February in our climates and anytime during the year in Australia. It is followed by small cup-shaped fruits devoid of ornamental interest.
Growing in full sun, this tree develops in acidic to neutral soils, tolerating a bit of lime. It likes moist, but well-drained soils and tolerates dryness relatively well once established. Its mountain origin allows it to resist temperatures down to -10°C (14 °F) to -12°C (10.4 °F) under good conditions, and of course, it does not mind snow.

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora 'Adaminaby' is an interesting species for its exotic aspect, its beautiful bark and its delightful flowering. Originally from regions without a marked dry season, it will be at ease in a warmer coastal climate and can also adapt in the not-too-dry areas of the south. In a mild climate, plant at its feet a Pittosporum tenuifolium Purpureum, a small bush with undulate purple foliage that will contrast pleasantly with the light bark and green or bluish foliage. Eucryphia lucida Gilt Edge, a beautiful bush with evergreen foliage, finely variegated with yellow, with a long-lasting white flowering in summer and well adapted to mild oceanic climates, will also be a perfect companion for your Eucalyptus. To enjoy a delightful spring flowering in pink, complete this scene with Magnolia Fairy Blush, a Michelia hybrid with an exotic aspect with its dense vegetation of dark green and the soft scent of its elaborate flowers.