Eucalyptus vernicosa Mt Hartz

Eucalyptus vernicosa Mt Hartz stands out for its original stature. In the garden, this small bush will not exceed one metre and quickly takes on the posture of a specimen, highly appreciated for its small, arrtactive, shiny green leaves, carried by silvery grey knotty branches. Native to the cold and mountainous regions of Tasmania, it is able to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5 °F), snow for several weeks, and strong winds. With very slow growth and intolerance to dry conditions, it requires a suitable location in the garden, with moist soil and exposure to sunlight.

Eucalyptus vernicosa, from the Latin vernicosus (varnished), is an endemic species of southwestern Tasmania (an island of Australia), where it is found in high plateaus and alpine regions, especially in the Hartz Mountains National Park. It grows almost exclusively above the tree line, at altitudes between 700 and 1400 metres (2296 feet 7 inches and 4593 feet 2 inches), on wind-swept alpine ridges and heathlands. It thrives on poor, acidic, peaty soils above a rocky substrate of quartzite or sandstone. Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, it is commonly called Varnished gum or Varnished gum tree, referring to the varnished and shiny appearance of the leaves. With very slow growth, this eucalyptus forms a branching bush, with stunted vegetation, reaching one metre in all directions. In its natural environment, it can eventually become a small tree, reaching a height of 3 to 4 metres (9 feet 10 inches to 13 feet 1 inch) over a period of 20 to 30 years. Its bushy habit consists of several stems emerging from the ground. The young shoots are dark green and glossy, with brownish highlights. They bear densely arranged foliage composed of small obovate leaves, pointed at the apex, measuring 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 in) in length, green and very shiny. Generally, the leaves remain juvenile throughout the plant's life. The leathery leaves are slightly aromatic and release a scent of menthol when crushed, rich in eucalyptol. As the branches age, they become knotty and are covered with a smooth, silver-brown bark. The insignificant flowering mainly occurs in winter, but occasionally at other times. The white inflorescence gives way to fruits in the form of small woody capsules, hemispherical and attached to the branch. They remain attached to the stem for a long time.

This eucalyptus possesses a lignotuber, which consists of a starch-rich swelling that forms on the roots just below the soil surface. This organ allows it to regenerate from the stump in case of severe frost, fire, or severe pruning. The plant also produces numerous shoots from dormant buds located under its bark, which allows it to respond very well to coppicing, pollarding, or more severe pruning. It should be noted that the alpine gum tree tolerates snow, wind, and salt spray very well. Its shallow root system poses less danger to constructions and competes less with other plants in the garden. Its foliage provides only very light shade.

The Varnished gum tree is probably the smallest hardy species of Eucalyptus in the world. It finds a place in the garden planted as a standalone specimen in an open space to appreciate the architecture of this small bush. It tolerates semi-mountainous climates in moist conditions but not overly dry climates. When grown in pots, regular watering is required to prevent drying out. To maintain lush and green vegetation in a container, it is advisable to provide light fertilization, possibly in liquid form, to supply the nutrients in a measured and constant manner during the growth period. Being tolerant of pruning, it is easy to maintain it within the desired volume of vegetation.