About
A tender shrub to 1.5m, with linear leaves to 2.5cm long, green above, white-felted beneath. From late spring to early autumn it produces tubular white to very pale blue flowers with darker freckling in the throats; these are borne singly in the leaf axils.
About the genus
A genus of 25 species of evergreen shrubs, native to Australia, with narrow, lance-shaped dark green foliage, similar to Rosmarinus, and white to pale blue flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toAustralia (coastal NSW)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand, in full light. When in growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free