View full sizeAlpine snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora ssp. niphophila)Alpine snow gum --
Eucalyptus pauciflora
ssp.
niphophila
-- could take your breath away, with multiple trunks shedding bark to expose creamy-white, touch-me skin and showing mottled patches of gray, tan, olive green or salmon. Its twisted branches of leaves rustle in the breeze. Only slightly aromatic, it is one of the hardiest eucalyptuses. Plant one now and it will spread across the garden in a few years.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
RELATED SPECIES:
Alpine snow gum is one of hundreds of eucalypt species, including the genera
Eucalyptus
(the gums),
Corymbia
(the bloodwoods and ghost gums) and
Angophora
(the apples).
ORIGIN OF NAME:
Eucalyptus means well-covered, referring to a cap over the flowers. When flowers open, the cap is shed, and woody seedpods develop.
TYPE:
Evergreen tree
NATIVE OF:
Snowy Mountains of southern Australia
HEIGHT:
35-50 feet
FLOWERS:
Long-lasting, white
FOLIAGE:
Thick, glossy, oval juvenile leaves; adult leaves narrower, lance-shaped and alternate.
TWIGS:
Often yellow or red
BASIC NEEDS:
Prospers in full sun and well-drained soil, but can handle a wide range of conditions. Drought tolerant once established.
ENEMIES:
Wind
CULTURE:
Plant when it's small; it grows rapidly once established. Prune young tree in spring to encourage sturdy root system.
PROPAGATION:
From seed, so trees vary in appearance. Look for trees from seed gathered high in the mountains, where winters are cold.
HARDINESS:
Zones 7-9
REASON TO GROW:
All-season shade or specimen tree. You might have the only one on your block.
COMPANIONS:
Other drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender, cistus and ceanothus. Shade can be light enough to grow sun-loving plants underneath.
OTHER CHOICES:
Try the blue form of
E. urnigera
(urn gum) for white bark with contrasting silver-blue leaves, growing 40 or more feet tall. In a small garden, plant slow-growing
E. vernicosa
(varnished gum), 4-15 feet, or
E. moorei nana
(little Sally), 5-12 feet and suitable for growing in a pot.
WHERE TO FIND THEM:
Compare the wide variety of eucalyptus leaf shapes, colors and even smells at
on Sauvie Island. A lovely specimen of
E. pauciflora
ssp.
niphophila
anchors the patio at
in Scappoose.
--
Homes & Gardens staff
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