About
A tender, erect, evergreen shrub to 1.5m, bearing narrowly lance-shaped, leathery leaves, crowded on the stem in whorls of 4. In spring, it produces pale purple flowers with orange speckles in the throats.
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
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
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 greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free