Eucalyptus polyanthemos

Eucalyptus polyanthemos, also known as the floriferous gum tree, is a frost-tender Australian species with significant, beautiful, white autumn to winter flowering and particularly decorative juvenile foliage. In coastal gardens, it quickly forms an interesting tree with a wide crown, decorative throughout the year. Its flowering is ornamental and nectar-rich. In coastal gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Eucalyptus polyanthemos is a tree from the Myrtaceae family, like the Feijoa, Callistemon or Myrtle. This species is native to the far southeast of Australia, from the Central Plateaus and Western Plains of New South Wales to the east and centre of Victoria. It is usually found on slopes in shallow soils. It can reach up to 20 m (66ft) in height in its native habitat. Its growth is rapid.
In cultivation in our latitudes, it eventually forms a tree about 15 m (49ft) in height and width, with a naturally spreading habit. This species, which has a lignotuber, is capable of producing shoots from its stump if its aboveground vegetation has been destroyed by frost or fire. Its bark is sometimes completely smooth, sometimes adorned with greyish flakes made up of pieces of old bark. Only the base of the trunk has rough and grey bark. The smooth bark is spotted with cream, grey, white, and yellow.
Like many species, the E. polyanthemos has two types of foliage, juvenile and adult, which coexist on the same plant. Intermediate leaf forms are also observed in its crown. When it first appears, the young foliage is extremely decorative. The juvenile leaves are always petiolate, arranged in opposite pairs towards the base of the branches and then alternately towards their tips. They are heart-shaped and measure between 2.5 and 5 cm (1 and 2in) long and 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide. Their colour is a greyish-blue matte green. The adult leaves are darker, olive-green, elongated (lanceolate), and larger.
The flowering is quite spectacular between September and January depending on the climate. It is often observed in October-November. It takes the form of large cream-white pompoms (formed by dozens of elongated stamens surrounding the central pistil). The pompoms are grouped in small umbels of 3 to 7 units. The flowers are nectar-rich and highly visited by bees. The flowers are followed by barrel-shaped fruits measuring up to 6 cm (2in) long.
Eucalyptus polyanthemos prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils but can tolerate some limestone. It requires well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging and tolerates drought well. Its hardiness is low, it can withstand brief frosts of around -5 °C. Very young specimens naturally grow as coppice.

Eucalyptus polyanthemos works well in large gardens and parks. This tree, with its white and bluish-green tones, brings a real touch of exoticism and elegance to the landscape. It can be easily associated with mimosas, the tall weeping bottlebrush, or purple foliage (Sambucus Black Lace, Cotinus Royal Purple).