Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila

Eucalyptus niphophila is a dwarf and twisted form of the Eucalyptus pauciflora, also known as Snow Gum. This large evergreen bush is appreciated for its twisted habit, with a spiralled trunk and branches. It has remarkable bark, which peels off in large ribbons and takes on the appearance of a patchwork of cream-white, grey, and brown-red with age, and abundant spring flowering in white pompons. Its persistent and leathery foliage, composed of long greyish sickle-shaped leaves, provides a beautiful screen in a hedge or mass planting. Undoubtedly the most cold-resistant, this eucalyptus will adapt to many regions, including mountain areas. Its requirements are clear: sun and well-drained soil, without excessive limestone.

Eucalyptus pauciflora ssp. niphophila, also known as Eucalyptus coriacea ssp niphophila or Snow Gum with leathery leaves, is a large bush in the myrtle family, native to southeastern Australia. This subspecies, native to the Kosciuszko Mountain in the Australian Alps, grows in high-altitude valleys often covered in snow throughout the winter. This very beautiful plant received an Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Relatively small in size for the genus, this gum tree develops a twisted trunk, branching from the base, topped with a bushy crown with a slightly spreading habit. It will reach a height of 6 to 8m (19 ft 8 in to 26 ft 2 in) and a width of 6m (19 ft 8 in) at maturity, with moderately fast growth.

The young, red branches of this eucalyptus bear persistent foliage, composed of long narrow and pointed leaves measuring 10cm (3.9 in), leathery, quite shiny, initially green, then taking on a more glaucous to greyish hue. They are slightly aromatic when crushed. Flowering takes place between May and June on plants that are a few years old. These are actually petal-less, round flowers composed of a multitude of tightly clustered cream-white stamens resembling pompons. They open between the leaves, grouped in 3 along the branches, and are followed by the formation of large green cone-shaped fruits that turn brown when ripe. The old bark is reddish-brown adorned with grey patches and peels off in large flakes each year, revealing a brand new bark striated with white-blue, cream, cinnamon, and almond green. Unlike other species, the Eucalyptus niphophila tolerates transplantation well until a fairly advanced age.

The Snow Gum tolerates both semi-mountain and semi-arid climates in summer, and its cold resistance goes down to -18/-20°C (-4 °F) (-0.4/-4 °F), if it is planted in well-drained soil that does not retain moisture, or if it benefits from a winter cover. Eucalyptus trees are generally large water consumers, even in winter, contributing to drying out the soil. On the other hand, their resistance to summer drought is proven in Mediterranean climates. The Eucalyptus niphophila, due to its branching habit, provides a beautiful foliage screen and works well in groves. It brings a touch of exoticism to the garden when planted in a hedge with other relatively hardy shrubs like Buddleia 'Lochinch' and 'Bicolor' and certain rose laurels (Luteum Plenum, 'Provence', 'Atlas'). But it is when planted as a specimen that this small tree will be most appreciated, thanks to its twisted habit, remarkable bark, and elegant foliage.