Eucalyptus nitens (The Shining Gum or Silvertop)

These trees have long, glaucous and shiny leaves that start out a ravishing jade colour and  smell incredible when rubbed. Their bark is ribonned in all shades of sandy yellows, greys and pale browns and has a shiny, polished quality to the touch. Most caressable. Mountaineering by nature, this Eucalyptus is very fast-growing and known to withstand strong winds so is perfect for a gardener with exotic tastes and an exposed location not too far from the coast. Reasonably cold tolerant down to -12C, possibly lower once established. Looks well with other evergreen trees and shrubs where its unusual blue-tinted green and slender form really shines out. Called the ‘Shining Gum’ downunder…so that makes sense.