Eucalyptus baeuerlenii - BAEUERLEN'S GUM NEW 4/17/07!

$10

If a eucalyptus that will not get too enormous is what you're looking for, consider this species, which is expected to max out at a modest 40' in cultivation. Belonging to the white gums (E. viminalis and friends), it forms a rather dense crown of attractive, weeping, narrow blue or blue-green leaves. Native to a rather restricted area in the wild, this may be its first offering in the United States, and it may be available only infrequently - get 'em while they're hot! It is not difficult to grow and will tolerate a variety of soils, growing vigorously. Hardy to about 5°F.

Eucalyptus bicostata - SOUTHERN BLUE GUM

$12

Jaw-dropping juvenile foliage! Huge, surreal silvery-purple juvenile leaves to 9" long give way to foot-long, pendulous adult leaves like those of E. globulus but more silvery with purple new growth! (Individual results may vary - a lot depends on climate and soil.) Reaching an ultimate height of 100' or more, this large, upright tree is basically a more ornamental and cold-hardier substitute for the well-known E. globulus, though it is very rare in cultivation. It is hardy to about 10°F.

Eucalyptus camphora - MOUNTAIN SWAMP GUM

$12

Eucalyptus glaucescens - TINGIRINGI GUM [Available October 15th, 2007]

$12

One of the most sought after hardy eucalypts, this species is commonly planted for its silvery ornamental foliage. The juvenile leaves are indeed nice, being rounded, very silvery, and closely set on the stems compared to some eucs. As the tree matures, it grows into a large, straight-trunked specimen that tends to have shimmering outer leaves with much darker foliage towards the center the crown. The bark begins silvery on medium to large branches but ultimately matures to a rich, deep tan color, remaining smooth even on very large trees. It is closely related to E. gunnii, but perhaps a little hardier to cold; in fact, it is one of the very hardiest eucs. It can be expected to endure brief drops to -5 to 0°F when mature.

Eucalyptus gunnii glaucous form - CIDER GUM NEW 4/17/07!

$9

This species from Tasmania's central plateau has long been one of the most popular hardy eucalypts. Certainly it has been one of the most available hardy species, as Seattle's largest specimens are now approaching 80' tall, but some forms offered by retailers turn out to be less than fully hardy through the coldest Northwest winters. This selection, which comes to me from long established trees on Saltspring Island, BC courtesy of "Banana Joe" Clemente, can be expected to have superior hardiness. Also, the very glaucous blue leaves of this form make it more attractive than some forms that tend to look gloomy against the grey winter sky. Some references continue to lead readers to incorrectly believe E. gunnii is one of just two or three eucalypts that is at all hardy in the United States outside of California and Florida, but that is a story for another day. In the meantime, E. gunnii will still be there like an old friend, when all your fancy Cannas and bananas have frozen dead, enduring temperatures down to the range of 0 - 5°F.

Eucalyptus lacrimans - WEEPING SNOW GUM

$30

Coming from only a few restricted locales in the coldest parts of Australia's mountains, this species remains difficult to find and seldom available, though in high demand. Closely related to the snow gums of the E. pauciflora group, it could perhaps be regarded as another subspecies of E. pauciflora along with niphophila, debeuzevillei, etc. However, it is quite distinct, having pale, almost luminescent green-blue or silver-blue leaves, completely white stems and trunk, and, most interestingly, a very slender, strongly weeping habit. To top it all off, this is one of the very hardiest eucalypts to cold, period, perhaps tolerating temperatures below -5°F when mature. It will appreciate moist soil.

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. debeuzevillei - JOUNAMA SNOW GUM

$15

This rugged-looking tree from the high mountains of Australia has beautiful smooth bark, white branches and very thick green-grey leaves. Sometimes called 'Giant Snow Gum', this species grows larger than the popular subsp. niphophila in the wild, but in gardens both may reach a height of 60' or more, frequently with multiple trunks. For sunny gardens with well-drained soil, it is one of the very hardiest eucalypts, and can be expected to tolerate -5°F under ideal conditions.

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora - WHITE SALLEE

$10

This subspecies of E. pauciflora has always been one of the most overlooked eucs in my opinion, since it is a larger tree than E. niphophila, and, as it typically has smooth white bark throughout, very tropical looking. Its thick adult leaves may be green or silvery-grey, and it is more likely to form a single trunk than other snow gums, sometimes growing as tall as 80'. Although not as vigorous in its first years as other eucs, it will eventually take off and develop into a beautiful picturesque tree with a contorted habit. It will appreciate full sun, and tolerate drought or moist soil. Hardy to 0 - 5°F.

Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora 'Disappearing Matt' - WHITE SALLEE

$12

Palm enthusiast Matt Monroe told me about a snowgum in West Seattle with a 3' diameter trunk and I could hardly believe it, but sure enough, there it was! (After that, I never heard from him again, nor did any of my other plant friends.) This adds to the list of eucs that lived through the landmark freeze of December 1990 in the Seattle area, as well as the freeze of February 1989 when the mercury dropped to 7°F at Sea-Tac. This tree has a beautiful white trunk and looks like it is on its way to growing 60' high or more! Thanks to Matt for procuring seeds of this beautiful tree.

Eucalyptus rodwayi - RODWAY BLACK GUM [Available October 15th, 2007]

$10

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