Eucalyptus pauciflora niphophila

The snow gum is the most cold-tolerant eucalyptus you can grow, surviving to around minus 23°C in its native Australian alpine home. The main reason to plant it is the bark: smooth, flaking away in ribbons to leave patches of cream, grey and soft green, almost like a watercolour.

Lance-shaped glossy grey-green leaves hang on through winter, and young shoots carry a silvery bloom. Clusters of small white flowers follow in summer. It holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Slow to moderate in growth, eventually reaching around 6 to 10m with a spreading open habit. Plant in full sun in slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil. Shelter young plants from hard winds until they’re established.

A proper specimen tree where you want year-round character, especially that incredible bark lit up in winter sun.