Eucalyptus rodwayi

Eucalyptus rodwayi, commonly known as the Swamp Gum, is a species native to Tasmania that forms an evergreen, medium-sized, and relatively narrow upright tree. Its trunk with fibrous grey bark is slender and rather thin, contrasting well with the shiny green foliage. The slender and elongated leaves present a genuine ornamental interest, as well as the flowering, in umbels of white pompons. Growing at latitudes far from the tropics, it withstands cold well, making it easier to acclimate in our gardens. Its other assets lie in its adaptability to most soils, acidic, neutral or even moderately chalky, it also grows perfectly in poor soils. It simply needs sun and sufficient water at the root level.

Eucalyptus rodwayi belongs to the large Myrtaceae family, like all Eucalyptus. This genus is rich in about 800 species, almost all native to Australia, and Tasmania, the southern island that constitutes one of the Australian states. This is where this species grows naturally, from the central plateau to the east coast of the island, in valleys with wet soils, often poorly drained. This habitat earns it its vernacular name of Swamp Peppermint Gum. "Peppermint" on the other hand is wrong, as this species does not belong to the group of Eucalyptus with a peppermint scent (popular names do not always have the rigour of scientific names...).
With average growth, this tree reaches a height of about twenty metres, and 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft 2 in) in width. In these wet conditions, its growth is rapid. It generally forms a single, very slender trunk of medium diameter in relation to height. Its vegetation is quite narrow and rectangular, although it can spread wider in isolated specimens. This species has the peculiarity, quite common among Eucalyptus, of developing a lignotuber, an underground formation rich in starch intended to reconstruct the aerial part in case of destruction (by fire in particular). It therefore has the ability to sprout from the stump, with numerous axillary buds developing in all directions.
The juvenile foliage is lanceolate to elliptical, measuring up to 7.8 cm (3.1 in) long and 2 cm (0.8 in) wide. These sessile and opposite leaves are green. The adult foliage is not much different, the leaves of the same width are a little longer (up to 13.5 cm (5.3 in)), of a beautiful shiny green, and linear to crescent-shaped. This fine trailing foliage is very graceful and contributes to the ornamental interest of this species.
It contrasts well with the grey-to-grey-brown bark that covers the trunk and main branches. This finely fissured fibrous bark is quite aesthetic, without being among the most ornamental.
The flowering is quite classic and takes the form of white pompons, made up of bouquets of stamens spreading in perfect circles. These small petal-less flowers, about 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, are grouped in 7, 9 or 11 in axillary umbels, thus giving them a very real visual presence. Depending on the region and climate, flowering can occur from November to May.
Like most species, this Eucalyptus grows in a sunny exposure. Due to its origin, it prefers moist soils (but not permanently flooded), however, once well-rooted, it tolerates dryness relatively well. Its growth will be affected in this case. Rather accommodating, it accepts neutral to acid soils, even tolerating a certain amount of lime. It also adjusts very well to poor soils, and as it withstands brief frosts down to -15°C (5 °F).

Eucalyptus rodwayi is an easy tree to grow and well adapted to moist soils, in which it will show rapid growth. Its slender and quite airy habit allows it to be planted alone without generating much shade, or in the background of a bed. Its beautiful shiny green, evergreen foliage will blend well with other colourful foliage, such as that of Sambucus nigra Black Lace, an Elder with very cut leaves, almost black purple, and also a lover of fresh soils. Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold, a Judas Tree with heart-shaped leaves whose colour varies throughout the year, from red to gold and then to chartreuse green, will also form a superb contrast.