Overview

Crowea exalata is a plant with a shrub, compact, rounded habit in the genus Crowea, part of the Rutaceae family, with evergreen, aromatic foliage. Crowea exalata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Crowea exalata, commonly known as small crowea or waxflower, is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae and is endemic to the states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. It is an attractive small shrub and is a popular garden plant. It flowers mainly from late summer to mid-winter when few others are flowering but usually has some flowers at other times of the year. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for borders, rock gardens and containers. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, well-drained, moist conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Crowea exalata

About the genus

Crowea is a genus of small evergreen shrubs in the family Rutaceae, sometimes known as waxflowers. There are three species and many subspecies and cultivars, all of which are popular as ornamentals because of their abundant, attractive flowers which often occur during autumn and winter. Crowea species are all endemic to Australia, where they occur in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Crowea", CC BY-SA 4.0Crowea

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crowea

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Crowea exalata size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Shrub, Compact, Rounded
Foliage
Evergreen, Aromatic
Suggested uses
Borders, Rock gardens, Containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crowea exalata

Propagation
Cuttings
Pest resistance
High
Disease resistance
High

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Crowea exalata?

Crowea exalata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crowea exalata need?

Crowea exalata grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist.

Is Crowea exalata hardy in the UK?

Crowea exalata has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Crowea exalata?

Cuttings.