Eucalyptus neglecta

Eucalyptus neglecta, also known as Omeo gum, is a botanical species found in the mountains of the state of Victoria in Australia. Like other mountain species, it is resistant to cold, which makes it easier to acclimatize in gardens. Its other assets are moderate growth, unique foliage, and good tolerance to limestone. This small evergreen tree will also charm with its white and fragrant flowering as well as its reddish-brown bark, which peels off in strips. It will be a beautiful subject to highlight in a small garden. This eucalyptus will adapt to many regions as long as it is provided with sunlight and well-drained soil, not too dry in summer.

Eucalyptus neglecta belongs to the Myrtaceae family, like all Eucalyptus. It is a small tree from a small region located east of the state of Victoria, where it grows in the mountains not far from Omeo. It can be found in areas close to watercourses. Of moderate growth, it can reach about 10 m (33 ft) in height with a spread of 4 to 5 m. Its habit is bushy and spreading, but light, and its foliage is abundant. A mature tree has a rough and fissured, grey-brown or blackish bark. On young subjects and branches, the bark is smooth, grey-green, grey-yellowish, and then reddish-brown with some peeling ribbons. The large juvenile leaves are without petiole, paired and arranged opposite on the branches, ovate or elliptical and measure up to 7.5 cm (3 in) long and 5.2 cm (2 in) wide. Their colour is a greyish-blue-green, more or less washed with copper, red, or brown and they persist for several years on the plant. Adult leaves are alternately arranged on the branches, petiolate, and lanceolate in shape. They measure up to 18 cm (7.1 in) long and 6 cm (2.4 in) wide. Flowering occurs from November to May, depending on the climate and the year, usually in February-March composed of 7 to 15 white pompom-shaped flowers. A mature specimen will survive short frosts around -15°C (5°F) if planted in well-drained soil. Once well established, this small eucalyptus will tolerate temporary droughts.

Eucalyptus neglecta can be used as a standalone tree in a small garden, as a shrub group, or as a windbreak or privacy screen. It forms a beautiful mass of pleasantly coloured foliage and works wonders in groves. This shrub brings a touch of exoticism to the garden when planted as a hedge with other relatively hardy exotic species such as erythrinas, Feijoa, some lauriers roses ('Luteum Plenum', 'Provence', 'Atlas'), or even Olearia in coastal areas.