Overview
Lomatia tasmanica is a bushy, pendulous weeping, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Lomatia, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Lomatia tasmanica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3, H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, sub-tropical, wildlife gardens, conservatory and greenhouse, flower borders and beds, wall side borders and hedging and screens.
About
Lomatia tasmanica, commonly known as king's holly, is a cultivar of the Lomatia genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs and trees with simple to intricately divided pinnate leaves. This cultivar features a bushy habit and evergreen foliage, thriving in well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. It prefers full sun to partial shade and benefits from a sheltered position, making it suitable for various garden settings including city gardens, coastal areas, and conservatories. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, with racemes of tubular flowers that open into star-like shapes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lomatia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3, H4
Plant details
Lomatia tasmanica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Pendulous weeping, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical, Wildlife gardens, Conservatory and greenhouse, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lomatia tasmanica
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lomatia tasmanica?
Lomatia tasmanica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lomatia tasmanica need?
Lomatia tasmanica grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lomatia tasmanica hardy in the UK?
Lomatia tasmanica has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Lomatia tasmanica?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.