About
A tender, bushy, evergreen shrub to 3m, with warty stems and aromatic, grey green leaves. From autumn to spring pink buds open to waxy, star-shaped, white flowers to 2.5cm across.
About the genus
A genus of around 50 species of flowering shrubs, native to Australia. They have smooth, green, linear-shaped aromatic foliage and produce small, waxy, white pink or mauve star-shaped flowers from late winter through to spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toE Australia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in ericaceous potting compost in full light. During the growing season water freely and apply a low-phosphate liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Top dress or pot on in spring
PruningSee pruning group 1; may need restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by sowing pre-soaked seed at 10-13°C in spring; take semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Germination is erratic and rooting of cuttings is slow
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free