Overview
Myoporum insulare is a bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Myoporum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Myoporum insulare grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates chalk and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, sub-tropical, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, garden edging and ground cover.
About
Myoporum insulare, commonly known as common boobialla, native juniper, is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to coastal areas of Australia. It is a shrub or small tree which grows on dunes and coastal cliffs, is very salt tolerant and widely used in horticulture.
About the genus
Myoporum is a genus of flowering plants in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae. There are 30 species in the genus, eighteen of which are endemic to Australia although others are endemic to Pacific Islands, including New Zealand, and one is endemic to two Indian Ocean islands. They are shrubs or small trees with leaves that are arranged alternately and have white, occasionally pink flowers and a fruit that is a drupe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Myoporum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Myoporum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Myoporum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Myoporum insulare size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Myoporum insulare
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects (may be susceptible when grown under glass)
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Myoporum insulare?
Myoporum insulare prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Myoporum insulare need?
Myoporum insulare grows best in chalk and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Myoporum insulare hardy in the UK?
Myoporum insulare 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 Myoporum insulare?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to early autumn.