Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila Mt Bogong

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila Mt Bogong is also known as the Mt Bogong Snow Gum. It most often forms a bush with several trunks or a small low-branched tree, with absolutely irresistible ornamental bark, where grey, white and cream mix. With a more compact habit than the species, it forms a relatively sparse canopy. The evergreen bluish juvenile foliage is attractive all year round. In June-July, it is adorned with pretty white pom-pom flowers. Very hardy, adapting to most well-drained soils, tolerating limestone and dryness quite well once well rooted, it can be grown virtually everywhere.

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila belongs to the large Myrtaceae family, like the Callistemon (Bottlebrush), the Feijoa or the Myrtle. The Eucalyptus genus includes more than 800 species, practically all native to Australia, except for a few from Southeast Asia. The Eucalyptus pauciflora is widespread in a rather large Australian geographical area, ranging from southeastern Queensland to Victoria, passing through New South Wales and up to Tasmania. There are five subspecies, with niphophila represented in high mountain ranges, such as the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales and several mountains in Victoria. Mt Bogong, which peaks at 1986 m (6516 ft), is home to a small population from which this Mt Bogong cultivar originates.
It is therefore subject to a very contrasting climate, mild to hot in summer, but cold in winter and very snowy. However, outside of its natural zone, its hardiness - one of the best among Eucalyptus - seems to be limited to -18°C under good conditions and for well-established adult plants. Younger trees can be damaged at -15°C (5 °F).
It generally forms a mallee (an Aboriginal term for a bush branching from the ground less than 10 m (33 ft) high), about 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft) high and 3.5 to 4 m (12 ft to 13 ft) wide. The niphophila subspecies can reach up to 10 m (33 ft) high at most. More rarely, it can also take the habit of a tree, branching quite low but with a single trunk. 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 aerial part of the plant is destroyed. The regrowth is thus denser 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 for severe pruning, which can make the plant branch well. The bark is very ornamental in this Eucalyptus and will be all the more attractive if it has multiple trunks. The smooth bark sometimes referred to as "python skin" comes in shades of grey, white, cream and even yellow.
The juvenile foliage is also decorative, consisting of ovate leaves, 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in) long and 2 to 3.5 cm (0.8 to 1.4 in) wide, bluish-green with a matte texture. The adult foliage is more elongated, lanceolate to crescent-shaped and slightly larger, the leaves reaching 10 cm (3.9 in) long and 3 cm (1.2 in) wide. The alternate and petiolate leaves are green to blue-green in colour and moderately aromatic when crushed.
Flowering takes the usual aspect of small white pom-poms, formed of umbels comprising 9 to 15 small petal-less flowers. It is actually the bunches of stamens that we admire. Flowering takes place in June and July in our climates (from December to February in Australia which is in the southern hemisphere). In a sufficiently warm climate, it evolves into small cup-shaped fruits with no ornamental interest.
This cultivar shows great adaptability, both in terms of soil and climatic conditions. It grows in neutral to acidic soils and also tolerates limestone quite well. It likes moist soils, but can tolerate drier ones, only disliking too wet or waterlogged conditions. It is also tolerant of heat and even drought, all qualities that allow it to grow in most regions.

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp niphophila 'Mt Bogong' is one of the most interesting of the genus, able to withstand colds down to -15°C (5°F) and beyond, provided it is planted in well-drained soil. This large bush is admired for its extremely ornamental bark. Compact and also very tolerant of pruning, it is perfect for small gardens and can be successfully planted almost everywhere provided it can enjoy the sun, as it does not like shade at all. To compose an unforgettable scene associate it in a mass with the Cyprus Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne), whose beautiful orange-red bark can support the comparison with that of your little Eucalyptus. Its beautiful glossy green, evergreen leaves and its small red fruits are also very pleasing. In a colder climate, you can create the same type of contrast with a Prunus maackii Amber Beauty, Manchurian Cherry with beautiful orange bark, and very easy to grow.