Canberra Botanic Gardens GROWING

NATIVE

Vol. 1,1971 PLANTS

Printed by Wilke and Company Limited
37-49 Browns Road, Clayton, Victoria

Published for the
Department of the Interior

by the Australian Government Publishing Service

Cover —Banksia grandis: Banksia —after Sir
Joseph Banks, the famous British scientist who
travelled with Captain Cook; grandis —large

Canberra Botanic Gardens

GROWING

NATIVE

PLANTS

Vol. 1,1971

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

BANKSIAS 5

ERIOSTEMON MYOPOROIDES 7

SCENTED PLANTS 8

MELALEUCA WILSONII 10

ISOPOGON ANEMONIFOLIUS 11

GOODIA LOTIFOLIA 12

ACACIA DRUMMONDII 13

GROUND COVERS 14

INDIGOFERA AUSTRALIS 16

GREVILLEA BAUERI 17

HYPOCALYMMA ANGUSTIFOLIUM 18

BORONIA HETEROPHYLLA 19

MELALEUCA INCANA 20

MICROMYRTUS CILIATA 21

WESTRINGIA FRUTICOSA 22

THRYPTOMENE CALYCINA 23

INDEX 24

INTRODUCTION

Westringia fruticosa: West-
ringia — after J. P. Westring,
an 18th century Swedish phy¬
sician; Iruticosa — shrubby,
bushy

The beauty, variety and profusion of species of Australian plants seen to be flourishing
in the Canberra Botanic Gardens often inspires visitors to wonder whether there is any
foundation for the widespread belief that native plants are difficult to grow in home
gardens and to ask whether any special measures are necessary to grow them success¬
fully.

The short answer is that a great many are easy to grow, some demand different care
to normal home-garden treatment, and a few are difficult indeed. One characteristic that
applies in nearly every instance is that native plants abhor root disturbance. That is
why attempts to re-establish plants that have been uprooted from their wild native
environment are almost always doomed to failure. Trained horticulturists in the field
rarely consider digging out and bringing back a whole plant. They always prefer to gather
seed or take cuttings, for this is not only the most reliable method of getting viable
propagation material; it also reflects a concern and determination not to interfere more
than is necessary with the natural environment.

The Canberra Botanic Gardens of native flora, like the Australiana sections of the
Botanic Gardens in the several States, are primarily for research and experimentation.
By welcoming visitors to inspection of the gardens, by the publication of information and
by inviting inquiries for advice, the Canberra Botanic Gardens is active in promoting
and encouraging the horticultural use of Australian flora, but it is unable to undertake
the supply of plant material. Prospective home growers of native plants are advised to
get seed or established plants in pots from nurseries specialising in native flora.

Every home garden of native plants is a real contribution to the preservation of the
unique Australian flora. The inclusion of ‘improved’ varieties carries the ideal still further.
Many of the most beautiful exotics in our gardens—roses for instance—were encouraged
by man to evolve from very humble origins and it is interesting to speculate on what
the horticulturists might achieve in their work on Australia's beautiful native plants.
Every home gardener who has a planting of cultivated native flora is a participant in a
fascinating enterprise.

This first volume of ‘Growing Native Plants’ describes methods proved reliable by the
Canberra Botanic Gardens for the growing of several species of native plants under
ordinary Canberra conditions. Propagation and cultivation procedures which are gener¬
ally applicable are explained, but it should be understood that a plant’s garden
performance in other districts, where climatic conditions are different, might not be quite
the same. Prospective growers in areas other than Canberra are advised to check on
‘at home’ conditions and requirements with local authorities. This information is
generally available from State Botanic Gardens and the various Societies for Growing
Australian Plants.

It should be noted that many Australian plants can vary a great deal within a species.

A Banksia (Banksia asplenifolia) which grows naturally around Sydney as a medium¬
sized shrub about 6 ft high is also known as a prostrate plant suitable for a rockery.
Numerous other examples could be cited of similar degrees of variation, not only in the
size and spread of the plant but also in growth habits, flower colour, size and perfume.
Readers should not be surprised to come across variations not described in this book.

Botanic names are given throughout this book—as they are in the Canberra Botanic
Gardens—because common names can cause confusion in their variability from place
to place. The common name Native Fuchsia is often applied to Epacris longiflora in New
South Wales, but in Victoria it refers to Correa reflexa. Bottlebrush is loosely given to
a number of species of Callistemon Melaleuca —or even Banksia.

The binominal system for naming plants has recognized universal application and
Latin and Greek are used in accordance with an accepted scientific practice. The whole
of the plant kingdom is considered as divided into groups, the members of which have
similar basic characteristics. The major groups are known as families, for example
Myrtaceae is given to a family of which the common European myrtle was regarded as
a significant example. The family is broken down into smaller groups called genera, each
group consisting of plants with morphological similarities, for example the members of a
group sometimes called Tea Trees (which are in no way related to the shrub which
provides the leaves for the beverage) are classified in the genus Leptospermum, from
the Greek words meaning ‘fine seed’.

Individual specimens within a genus are called species and the species name often
describes an important feature of the plant or records the name of a person, eg Lepto¬
spermum parvifolium is the small-leaf Tea Tree, while Grevillea caleyi honours C. F.
Greville, a patron of botany, in the genus name, and George Caley in the species name.
Caley was a botanical collector sent to NSW by Sir Joseph Banks in 1799.

A species may sometimes be divided further by variety classification, eg Lepto¬
spermum scoparium var rotundilolium.

Hundreds of species of Australian plants are now available for planting into home
gardens, thanks to the work of specialist nurserymen and many amateur gardeners in
the various States. Successful growing of natives in the home garden depends a lot on
the ability of the home gardener to provide growing conditions approximating those of
the natural habitat. Normal home-garden treatment—cultivating the beds, fertilizing with
chemical manures, frequent watering—is more often resented than enjoyed. More native
plants in home gardens have been killed by kindness than by neglect. Important points
that should be borne in mind are —

DRAINAGE: Most Australian plants require good drainage to give of their best. In some
cases it is essential to survival. If good drainage does not exist naturally it can be
achieved by raising the soil level of the garden bed by 12 or 18 inches with a rock wall
or by placing weather-worn rocks in a pile or in bush sand to simulate a natural
rockery.

COOL ROOT RUN: In their natural environment native plants grow in close association
with each other, affording mutual support and forming a screen which prevents the rays
of the sun from unduly raising the temperature of the surface soil. The root systems of
most species lie near the surface and are extremely sensitive to temperature change. To

3

INTRODUCTION CONTINUED

duplicate this cool root run for the plants, mulch in the form of dead leaves, she-oke
needles, blue metal, and pebbles or stones, should be spread three to four inches thick
on the garden. Mulch of vegetable matter should be topped-up when time and weather
have reduced the effective thickness. Ground cover plants may also be used. A thick
mulch has two other important functions: it inhibits weed growth and reduces evapor¬
ation.

WATERING: Rainfall in many parts of Australia is spasmodic with long dry periods. As
a result many species are naturally equipped to withstand dryness but will not tolerate
‘wet feet’. Watering must not be overdone once a plant is established. However, in
prolonged dry weather, plants will benefit from an occasional thorough soaking. During
summer all watering should be done in the evenings.

SOIL ACIDITY: In general native plants are found in soils with pH less than seven (ie,
an acid soil). Most will accept a range of pH from 4-5 to 7 0, but pH 6 seems to be ideally
suitable for most species. Lime should NOT be used in the proximity of natives.
FERTILIZERS: Much of Australia's soil is low in phosphates, consequently some native
plants prefer—and in some cases demand—similar conditions. General fertilizers con¬
taining phosphate should be used with caution. Blood and bone is a safe effective
fertilizer and a good dressing twice a year in February and August should produce
satisfactory growth.

The foregoing points can be regarded as basic and generally applicable. Any variation
(which will be rare) in the cultivation of individual species mentioned in this volume will
be specifically stated.

Pelargonium australe: Pelar¬
gonium — from the Greek word
pelargos, a stork, a reference
to the appearance of the fruit
of the plant; australe — of the
Southern Hemisphere

4

BANKSIAS

Every garden of Australian character needs
at least one Banksia for nearly all species
are found wild only in Australia. About 50
species are known, mainly in the West, and
it is the minority belonging to the eastern
states which are known to thrive in Canberra.
Some western species introduced to the
Botanic Gardens in recent years are also
settling down and promising to add to the
number suitable for local conditions.

All are solid, spectacular shrubs or small
trees with tough, handsome foliage with
serrated edges, often large and holly-like or
small and narrow. They are healthy subjects
perfectly hardy to frost and also to drought
when established, though water should be
plentiful in early years to hasten bushy
growth. Most species grow at a medium rate
and flower at about three years old.

Birds and bees are attracted to the garden
by Banksias, as the flowers are rich in
nectar, and hence their common name of
Native Honeysuckle. They have, however, no
connection with the honeysuckle of the
Northern Hemisphere.

Each stiff flower spike is actually a head of
small flowers crowded in rows, and in some
species it appears outlined by shiny curls.
These are the styles of the flowers which
remain in a hooked position. In other species
the styles open out straight and the flower
spike then resembles a soft brush. Flowers
generally form close on older wood often
sittting upright on horizontal branches or
deep in the forks of branches with new
growth projecting beyond. Dark woody seed
cones follow and remain on the plant, open¬
ing only in extreme heat and releasing seed.

Colours in the western species range
through subtle tones of most colours except
blue, but in the eastern ones are restricted
to straw yellows, gold, orange, bronze and
green—rich and unusual additions to the
winter garden as they flower between April
and October.

The following Banksias are the best
known for Canberra and they succeed in
local unprepared soils as long as they are
free from lime, which will lead to yellowed
foliage and poor progress. A lawn or other
uncrowded position in the garden should be
chosen to allow their bold outlines to form a
strong feature of the landscape. They

Banksia ericifolia: Banksia—
after Sir Joseph Banks, the
famous British scientist who
travelled with Captain Cook;
ericifolia —heath leaved.

Other species mentioned in
text: spinulosa —spiny
leaved, a misleading name
in this case; marginata —
edged, bordered;
serrata —serrated edge;
integrifolia —with entire leaves

5

succeed in seaside gardens also and some
can be used for wide hedges, trimmed and
watered. Later pruning is optional and done
only to control shape or increase bushiness.

Young plants raised from seed or in some
species from cuttings also can be obtained
from some nurseries dealing in native plants.
Banksia ericifolia: The Heath-leaved Banskia
(illustrated), native to New South Wales is a
large upright shrub, reaching 15ft in 15
years, with fairly dense growth to ground
level. Its appearance remains pleasant from
year to year with light green narrow foliage
closely set on the branchlets, which are
curving spires through which the large
flowers show. They are the longest among
our eastern species—at least 10 inches—
and colours range from rich gold to burnt
orange. The hooked style of some are bronzy
giving an effect of shot colour. The season,
from April to October, is scarcely affected
by the coldest spells of winter. A wide hedge
may be made with this species, trimmed
lightly and watered.

Banksia marginata: The Silver Banksia of
southern and eastern States and the ACT, is
a compact and towering shrub here, 20ft
high at 15 years old. It has thick limbs from
ground level branching very freely, with
narrow, dense foliage in tufts. Flowers are
smaller than in the previous species, and are
of the 'brush' type— 3Vz inches long. They
open profusely in a long season from March
to October especially on the sunny side in
mid-winter, and all over the shrub varied
tones of colour are seen as flowers change
from yellow to browns. Bees often crowd
around this Banksia.

Banksia spinulosa: The Hairpin Banksia is a
most beautiful, medium shrub for Canberra,
though not rapid growing. Seen on the coast
of NSW it is a flat-topped and dwarfed plant
of the cliff top, but farther back in the
mountains it is taller and upright. It develops
asymmetrical and well-balanced forms and
in cultivation reaches about 6ft high. It has
a long season of fine quality flowers which
are large and shining, bronze gold with
hooked maroon styles.

Banksia serrata: The Saw Banksia of NSW
introduces the larger-leaved species, hand¬
some at any season. Leaves are up to 6in
long, with prickly serrated edges, light green
and shiny. The flowers are large, broad
greenish ‘brushes’ from March to June. The
species reaches small-tree proportions in its
natural state, but in Canberra so far has only
attained medium-shrub size.

Banksia integrifolia: The Coastal Banksia is
another larger-leaved species of NSW,
Queensland and Victoria. It is familiar as a

gnarled tree of the coast, growing down to
beach level with foliage often dry and
blemished. Growth is more lax when watered
in cultivation, quickly growing upright in a
variety of forms with openly spaced
branches and foliage. The fine dark leaves
are up to 4in long, shiny above and whitish
beneath and leathery instead of stiff and
prickly. All through winter ‘brush’ flowers
open at intervals. They are rather smooth,
greenish yellow opening to clear straw
yellow.

Several other species which have reached
flowering size are B. media, B. robur, B.
baxteri.

Banksia serratifolia: Banksia
—after Sir Joseph Banks, the
famous British scientist who
sailed with Captain Cook; ser¬
ratifolia — serrated leaf

6

ERIOSTEMON MYOPOROIDES

The Long-leaf Waxflower (Eriostemon myop-
oroides) of Queensland, NSW and Victoria,
is a hardy large shrub with a long flowering
season of small but showy pale flowers set
amid a firm mid-green foliage. It is a hardy
plant that will thrive through cold and
drought. It is often wider than its height and
is very dense in growth right down to ground
level. It anchors well and, as the branches
are flexible and tough, is not liable to break¬
age in strong winds.

The narrow leaves are of a slightly waxy
appearance up to 3in long and held out at
a wide angle from the stem in an open,
alternate arrangement. In the axils of each
are heads of the flowers in groups of from
three to five buds, well held out on half-inch
long stems, even when only a few are open.
Buds of apple-blossom pink open to flat,
starry flowers with five white petals. The
flowers are no more than three-quarters of
an inch across but show out well against the
green foliage. In Canberra the first buds
open about the end of June, gradually
increasing through the winter—depending
on the season—until early September when
the shrub will be dotted with flowers. Best
months are usually October and November
when flowering is profuse down to ground
level. Odd flowers may appear in summer
and autumn.

The shrub is available from nurseries and
can be raised from cuttings struck indoors
under glass, or outside in the shade, depend¬
ing on the season. After 12 months the plant
should be ready to plant out from its pot and
may be located in almost any position in the
garden, either in the sun or semi-shade. It
seems to succeed in either heavy or light
soil and will respond to light dressings of
blood and bone in the growing season. If
dense plants are required it can be lightly
pruned, and used for an informal hedge.

If smut fungus—a black, sooty covering of
leaves—appears it can be washed off with
cotton wool and water or alternatively can
be treated with white oil.

Sprigs of flowers can be used indoors but
branches will not keep fresh and buds will
not open.

The Eriostemons belong to a large plant
family, Rutaceae, which includes the citrus
trees and many small decorative native
shrubs. Boronias, Croweas and Phebaliums
all have garden potential.

Eriostemon myoporoides:
Eriostemon —from two Greek
words, erion, wool, and
stemon, a stamen, alluding
to the downy stamens;
myoporoides —with leaves
resembling those of another
shrub, Myoporum

7

SCENTED

PLANTS

Boronia megastigma:

Boronia —after an Italian,

F. Borone who accompanied
botanical expeditions in the
18th century; megastigma —
have a large stigma

Scent in Australian plants occurs less in
their flowers than in their leaves and stems,
where it is only noticed when they are
bruised to release spicy and lemony per¬
fumes, or when the volatile oils are released
occasionally on hot, sunny days. Eucalypts,
bottlebrushes and tea-trees belong to a very
large family of plants which all have
aromatic foliage.

Though scented flowers are fewer in
number they include some fine garden plants
that are readily available from commercial
nurseries dealing in native plants. Many
others may soon be brought into cultivation.

Australian plants vary so much within
their own species that occasionally one
growing in one district may be scented and
in another area scentless.

Opinions vary over scent. What is pleasant
to one person may be unpleasant to another
or too faint to detect. Grevillea biternata and
G. paniculata are examples of dubious
scents, particularly when their cream flowers
are at full strength of flowering. A trace of
some plant scents is pleasant but is sickly
if inhaled too deeply.

A widely acclaimed Australian scented
plant is the Boronia megastigma with its
powerful and unusual perfume. Its various
horticultural varieties are all nearly as good.
Boronia elatior and B. heterophylla have
lighter but pleasant scents in their vivid
crimson flowers. Boronia pinnata, B. dicho-
toma and B. floribunda are still more delicate
and a number of the plants would be needed
to scent the surrounding air.

Acacias with their masses of flowers are
the next important group and one species,
Acacia suaveolens, is known as the Sweet
Scented Wattle. This slender tree is found in
many parts of eastern Australia and its
flowers scent the air from early winter to
spring. Acacia deanei is a roundheaded tree
with feathery pinnate leaves. It flowers over
a long season and is useful in winter when
its sweet perfume floats over the garden.
Several other wattles are similar to this in
appearance and scent and include A. parra-
mattensis which grows wild in the ACT.
Another species for winter perfume is A.
flexifolia, an unusual and dainty West Aus¬
tralian shrub up to 4ft high that grows well
in light soil in Canberra.

In early spring Acacia longifolia is par¬
ticularly sweet and fresh with masses of pale
yellow finger-shaped flowers weighing the
branches down to the ground. Acacia deal-
bata, the Mimosa of Europe, along with other
Acacia species such as A. spectabilis, A.
prominens, A. cardiophylla, A. obtusata, and
A. subulata all form large trees or shrubs and
give off pleasant perfumes. A. glandulicarpa

is a large ground cover spreading to 15ft,
dotted with small yellow flowers. Acacia
verticillata and A. diffusa are species with an
unpleasant sour smell in their pale yellow
flowers.

Hakeas, medium to large shrubs with
spiny or prickly foliage, include several
species with light scent, of which Hakea
sericea is a good plant for Canberra
gardens. It bears masses of cream or pink
winter flowers over several months. Hakea
nodosa, H. eriantha and H. erinacea are also
lightly scented later in the spring.

Hakea scents are slightly reminiscent of
honey and this is something often noticed in
Australian plants. Eucalyptus globoidea and
E. baeuerlenii are examples of a sweet honey
scent. The flowers of some eucalypts are
rather unpleasant and sour to smell. Two
small shrubs that grow wild in the ACT, but
which are little known in cultivation yet, are
Cryptandra amara and C. propinqua. Their
small white or pink flowers are sought by
bees and their sweet honey perfume is
noticeable as the plants are approached in
winter.

The purple coloured Dichopogon fimbria-
tus, a small plant of the lily family grows to
a height of about 2ft, and has a pleasant
smell of vanilla, a scent that is evident in
Sowerbaea juncea, a smaller plant that has
round heads of mauve flowers on stems a
foot tall. In the Daisy family are the Olearias,
medium-sized shrubs with mauve or white
flowers, that are sometimes pleasantly
scented. A lovely perfume may be given off
from the annual Helichrysum bracteatum
when it is grown in patches and also from
other Everlasting Daisies.

The flowers of some Melaleuca species,
which form an important group of native
garden plants, are sometimes unpleasant,
but Melaleuca glbbosa is one with a light
pleasant scent.

A list of plants with aromatic foliage would
be endless. Two species with true lemon
scent when bruised are Leptospermum
petersonii (syn L. citratum) and Backhousia
citriodora, a frost-tender tree. It is also
noticeable though not as pronounced in
Melaleuca pulchella, M. erubescens, M. thy-
mifolia and others, also in Calothamnus
chrysantherus and Beaufortia squarrosa. In¬
cluded in this same family, the Myrtaceae, is
a group of small shrubs called Darwinia, the
leaves of which have a spicy perfume.
Possibly the most beautiful of these is D.
citriodora, a choice though frost-tender
foliage shrub with a sweet perfume.

The Prostanthera species of the Mint
family (Labiatae) can generally be detected
by slight mint scents that are more bitter

than the leaves of the kitchen garden mint.
There are, however, species of Mentha which
have the familiar scent, such as M. die-
menica which grows wild in the ACT.

A list giving common names of some
plants mentioned is as follows:

BOTANICAL NAME and COMMON NAME

Westringia fruticosa —Native or coastal
Rosemary

Boronia megastigma —Brown Boronia
Boronia elatior —Tall Boronia
Boronia heterophylla —Red or Kalgan
Boronia

Boronia pinnata —Pinnate Boronia
Boronia floribunda —Pink Boronia
Acacia deanei —Dean's Wattle
Acacia floribunda —Sallow, Gossamer or
Catkin Wattle

Acacia dealbata —Silver Wattle
Acacia spectabilis —Glory, Showy or Mud-
gee Wattle

Acacia prominens —Grey Sally, Gosford
Wattle, etc

Acacia cardiophylla —Wyalong Wattle
Acacia obtusata —Obtuse Wattle
Acacia subulata —Awl-leaf Wattle
Acacia diffusa —Diffuse Wattle
Acacia verticillata —Prickly Moses
Hakea sericea —Silky Hakea
Hakea nodosa —Yellow Hakea
Hakea eriantha —Tree Hakea
Hakea erinacea —Hedgehog Hakea
Eucalyptus baeuerlenii —Dwarf Cliff Gum
Eucalyptus globoidea —White Stringybark
Dichopogon fimbriatus —Nodding Chocolate
Lily

Sowerbaea juncea—V anilla Plant
Olearia ramulosa —Twiggy Daisy Bush
Helichrysum bracteatum —Yellow Paper
Daisy

Melaleuca squarrosa —Scented Paperbark
Melaleuca gibbosa —Slender Honey Myrtle
Leptospermum petersonii —Lemon-scented
Tea Tree

Backhousia citriodora —Sweet Verbena
Myrtle

Melaleuca pulchella —Claw Flower
Melaleuca erubescens —Pink Paperbark
Melaleuca thymifolia —Thyme Honey Myrtle
Beaufortia squarrosa —Sand Heath Bottle¬
brush

Darwinia citriodora —Lemon-scented Myrtle

Many other plants could be named to
show that a fragrant garden consisting
entirely of Australian plants can be planned
for all seasons.

9

MELALEUCA

WILSONII

Melaleuca wilsonii:

Melaleuca —from two Greek
words, melas, black, and
leukos, white, because the
first Melaleuca described had
white branches against a
black trunk, possibly
blackened by fire; another
opinion contrasts the white
bark with the very dark
foliage of some species;
wilsonii —after T. B. Wilson,
a 19th century traveller

Wilson’s Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca wilsonii)
is one of the many Melaleucas of decided
home-garden value. This one, from Victoria
and South Australia, is among the best
and strongest growing in Canberra, and
succeeds as a long-lived shrub that is hardy
to frost and drought. Of elegant and thriving
appearance all the year, it is most striking
when it flowers in the spring.

Within the species there are a number of
forms varying from upright to low and
spreading, but always they develop a good
shape. In height it reaches 5ft and can
spread to 8ft, sometimes covering the
ground with a cushion effect. Growth is
dense and branching irregular, generally in
straight, flattish sprays.

The narrow pointed leaves at a wide angle
to the stem are in neat opposite arrange¬
ment. They are about half an inch long,
smooth and have a lemon scent when
bruised. In spring the young growing tips are
a bright green.

At any time from the end of October the
flowers open and are at their best in the first
half of November. They are feathery
bunches of vivid magenta rose stamens,
closely set surrounding the stems of older
wood.

In a cool and showery spring flowering
may continue until the end of November,
but in a season of hot dry spells flowering is
often poor and short. Bees crowd the plant
when it is in flower.

The species is exceptionally good for cut
flowers. Even in long sprays it lasts for at
least two weeks indoors.

Nurseries specializing in native plants can
supply this shrub. Propagation is readily
carried out from seed. At planting time it
may be located in an open or semi-shaded
position, after which little care is needed
apart from watering during dry periods to
avoid bare wood. Pruning is not necessary
other than to control a desired shape and
the shrub is generally free from diseases
and pests.

The genus Melaleuca is adaptable in the
home garden and may often thrive in a
constantly damp or badly drained situation
in which it is difficult to find a suitable plant
to grow.

They are closely related to the Lepto-
spermums—Tea Trees—and range in forms
from small shrubs to large trees. Some of
the larger trees are used commercially in
boatbuilding and fencing and many species
grow in coastal regions.

ISOPOGON

ANEMONIFOLIUS

Isopogon anemonilolius:

Isopogon —from two Greek
words meaning ‘equal’ and
‘beard’, alluding to the hairy
fruits of some species;
anemonilolius —with leaves
like those of some Anemones

Drumsticks is the common name given to rocks as this species will stand exposure,
the Isopogons, shrubs related to Grevilleas The divided leaves grow stiffly upwards,
and Banksias. They are ornate and curious tough and resisting blemish of all kinds,
plants, rigid in growth with handsome foliage From autumn to spring they are tinged
and rounded flower heads terminating the purple in pleasant contrast to the grey cone-
branches. The common name refers to the like seed heads.

rounded fruits which can be found on the Any time between October and January
bushes at all times of the year. the compact flower heads open, depending

About 35 species are known, mainly in on water supply although November is
Western Australia where the flowers are generally the best month. In a dry year the
pink or yellow. The one illustrated here is soft yellow flowers are smaller and not as
native to the eastern States, extending showy.

widely from coast to mountains. In sea winds Seed is plentiful, falling easily from the
it forms a dwarfed and tufty ground cover ‘cones’ when they are left to open in a bag
and in more sheltered areas an upright shrub in a warm place. Young plants raised from
to 6ft high. seed can be obtained from some nurseries

In Canberra it is hardy to frost and dealing in native plants, and a good time to
drought, remaining healthy for many years establish them is from late August to mid-
with little attention and gradually becoming September or in the autumn. Local soils
a heavy-limbed shrub about 6ft high, seem suitable, rather poor than rich, though
Adequate water, however, ensures the best coarse sand should be added to very heavy
condition. A group of vigorous young plants soil and lime would not be favourable,
around 3ft high may show an interesting With attention to watering, new plants
variety of forms. All tend to be bushy, grow steadily and are best left to shape
covering the ground well—some branches naturally without pruning. No significant
partly prostrate and others upright. pests or diseases have been noticed.

Single specimens are attractive in a Simple arrangements of foliage stems
border or in public places; groups may be with or without flowers and ‘cones’ are very
set in gravel or tan bark or among large effective and long-lasting in water

11

GOODIA

LOTIFOLIA

Goodia lotilolia: Goodia —
after Dr Mason Good, a
botanist; lotifolia —leaves like
the Lotus

This tall pea-flowering shrub grows wild in
many parts of Australia and has various
common names, such as Golden Tip, Clover
Bush and Yellow Pea. Where an easy and
quick grower is wanted this is a most
attractive choice with several uses. Given
plenty of room it makes a beautiful specimen
plant—well set on a lawn and hardy enough
for decorating public grounds. It hides a
fence quickly and may be lightly trimmed to
form a tall, loose hedge.

It is quite frost hardy being slightly
deciduous in the coldest districts. It is very
hardy to drought in the sense that although
it loses wood in years of extreme drought it
renews itself by long suckering branches
when watered again, gradually forming a
thicket-like shrub with strong whippy
branches arching and curving to ground
level. With attention to cutting out dead or
bare wood a specimen may be kept in good
condition for many years. Within a few years
it reaches at least 12ft high with a similar
spread, in garden conditions.

All parts are smooth and the foliage is a
fresh green, at some seasons blue-green,
with a bloom. Around mid-summer, if water
has not been scarce, the appearance is lush
with new tip growth. Individual leaves are
trifoliate resembling clover.

From early October the shrub is covered
in clear yellow pea flowers in short loose
spikes. They continue for several weeks in
a cool spring but a hot spell such as often
occurs during October or November
shortens the season.

Large quantities of seed set after flower¬
ing, making this an easy and cheap species
to raise as the seed germinates freely. The
small dark pods can be heard cracking open
during summer and sometimes self-sown
seedlings appear. Young plants may be
bought from some nurseries dealing in native
plants and thrive in almost any soil without
preparation in a sunny or lightly shaded
position.

Flowers do not last well in water, but the
graceful sprays of leaves are useful and
long stems may be used to fill in large
arrangements.

The plant is so vigorous that it is unusual
for it to be set back in any way by pests or
diseases. Scale is the only trouble noticed
and by cutting out affected branches when
it is seen the use of chemicals is avoided.

It should be mentioned that the leaves of
Goodia lotifolia are suspected to be poison¬
ous to stock.

ACACIA

DRUMMONDII

Acacia drummondii: Acacia —
generally believed to be from
a Greek word meaning to
sharpen, alluding to the
prickliness of the first species
discovered; another opinion
refers to the ‘Egyptian Thorn'
(akakia) a species of Acacia
yielding gum-arabic;
drummondii —after J. Drum¬
mond, first Government
botanist of Western Australia

Drummond’s Wattle (Acacia drummondii)
grows wild among the undershrubs in the
forests of south-west Australia and is one of
many Western Australian plants which will
thrive in Canberra, given a little care. Though
not new in cultivation it is one of the lesser-
known wattles—a beautiful, delicate shrub
useful where space is limited in the garden.

It is tender to frost, wind and summer sun,
all of which have caused losses in exposed
positions. For the first few winters it must be
protected from frost with a covering such as
hessian. This should be thrown over nightly,
supported on three stakes in the ground and
not touching the plant. Shrubs when about
3ft high may not need covering as only tip
growth will be killed.

Taller shrubs, trees or rocks give excellent
shelter where plants can develop to perfec¬
tion. If away from other plants the form is
upright and either compact or slightly arch¬
ing, with a number of thin reddish main
branches from ground level. It reaches 5ft
high and the same in width.

Variations in form are known, including a
prostrate one which could make a useful
ground cover.

If crowded among other plants this dwarf
wattle spreads forward gracefully, and would
adapt to a sloping wall or large rockery. It
may also be grown in tubs and in mild
districts as a hedge, lightly trimmed.

The foliage is ornamental and neat, mid¬
green or slightly bluish. Close inspection
shows much divided though not feathery
leaves, about one inch long, and facing
upwards along the stems.

Flower buds for next spring may be seen
forming in summer along the entire length of
the stems, each spike held well out on a
stalk, one to each axil.

From late September to early November
flowers open rather unevenly, becoming
profuse in October. The spikes are from
three-quarters of an inch to 1 3/4 in long,
outstanding in quality and softness of
appearance. They are a clear canary yellow,
and scentless.

The species usually sets some seed in
Canberra and this should be harvested when

the pods are hard and brown. The germin¬
ation rate can be improved if the hard seed
coat is first softened with boiling water or
scratched slightly before sowing with a file
or sandpaper to admit water. Seedlings are
susceptible to damping off and over-water¬
ing should be avoided.

Acacia drummondii has been grown from
cuttings, but without special facilities this is
not easy. Young plants may be obtained from
most nurseries dealing in native plants.

Most soils with good drainage are suit¬
able, including local and clay soils. The
plant’s position is most important. Growth is
rapid and light pruning after flowering helps
to maintain bushy and long-lived specimens.
This is not a good wattle for cut flowers, but
presses beautifully.

There are several uses for ground cover
plants. In districts where soil becomes over¬
heated they help cool it by shading, and
reduce water needs. They can clothe rough
soil, uneven land and slopes. As a contrast
to, and a setting for taller plants they are
decorative in a garden plan. They are always
most valued when dense and strong enough
to suppress weeds. Carpeting types with
invasive root systems should not be placed
where they can smother young shrubs.

Because of the natural variability of
Australian plants one species may have both
prostrate and upright forms, for example
Grevillea juniperina, and it is necessary to
make certain the plant is of the required
form before purchase. After planting, shrub
types usually need no pruning other than
that required to guide them into the space
available for them or to encourage a more
dense growth.

These are suggestions, based on their
performance in Canberra, for some of the
best species.

Scleranthus biflorus:
Scleranthus —after two Greek
words meaning ‘hard’ and
‘flower’ alluding to the
hardened fruiting calyx;
biflorus —two flowers

GROUND COVERS

Many Australian plants have a common habit
of growing low to the ground and spreading.
In the Canberra climate there is a tendency
for native plants to grow this way. Any plant
that grows wider than its height can be
termed a ground cover, even if it is rather
tall, as long as it spreads along the ground.
A number of tall species attain a height of
5ft but have a spread of up to 15ft. These
are excellent in street or public ground
settings, but for the average gardener the
lower-growing species are of greater use.

Among Australian plants there is a wide
choice of shrubs from about 3ft tall down to
those that are completely prostrate, some of
them covering a large ground area with one
plant. There are also a number of herbaceous
plants which can quickly carpet a consider¬
able space, though some of these lose con¬
dition in extremes of heat and cold. An
advantage of Australian shrubs is that they
are evergreen and look fresh and neat the
14 year round. Most of them flower well.

SHRUBS

Baeckea ramosissima (Rosy Heath Myrtle):
Stiff slender branches in sprays, with tiny
leaves and masses of small flat pink flowers
in spring, and a few in other months. Water
in drought; attracts bees. Height 1ft, spread
4ft.

Cassia odorata: Has branches which radiate
from the centre into a fairly round form with
bold pinnate leaves, light green. Saucer¬
shaped flowers of rich orange yellow often
seen, especially in late winter to spring.
Slightly frost tender. Grows better with good
watering. Height 1ft, spread 4ft.
Calocephalus brownii (Cushion Bush): Very
small shrub entirely grey from a web of white
hairs. Thin rigid stems have tiny leaves and
round heads of yellowish flowers in spring.
Best in groups, clipped after flowering for
dense growth. In cold winters loses con¬
dition. Height and spread about 1ft.

Grevillea baueri: Prostrate form—vigorous
grower for a large space, with stiff dense
growth in arching sprays. Young tips are
copper coloured. Winter flowers are rose
crimson. Height 3ft, spread 6ft.

Grevillea capitellata: Semi-prostrate form—
this choice smaller Grevillea is of slender
open growth, with long narrow leaves, and
rounded flowers of dark crimson, hanging on
long stems for many months. Height 2ft,
spread 4ft.

Grevillea biternata: Its long arching branches
tend to cascade one way; very strong
grower, with dense narrow prickly leaves.

Masses of cream ‘spider’ flowers with an
unusual odour cover the plant in spring. This
plant suppresses weeds and attracts bees.
Height 3ft or less, spread 12ft.

Grevillea confertifolia: Stiff flattish branches
with strong narrow foliage are always of
fresh appearance. In spring the rounded
flowers are an unusual purple, with a strange
odour. Effective against weeds. Height 18in,
spread about 4ft.

Grevillea juniperina: Prostrate form—tough,
nearly flat shrub, with open frame of interest¬
ing angular branches clothed with narrow
prickly leaves, and studded with yellow
ochre flowers many months of the year and
especially in winter. Spread to 10ft.

Grevillea laurifolia (Laurel Grevillea): Flat
tough shrub with branches and foliage
spreading into an even ground cover. Leaves
are leathery, elliptical; the handsome flowers
are a rich red. Hardy and long lived. Spreads
to about 12ft if unpruned.

Homoranthus virgatus: A flat small shrub
forming a patch of small narrow leaves
which are succulent and grey, often with
pinkish tints. It has small greenish flowers
in spring, and is frost hardy. Spreads to
about 3ft.

Hypocalymma cordifolium (Cream-flowered
Myrtle): An even and dome-shaped plant of
extremely neat and smooth appearance. Soft
straight branches are pink while young, with
yellow green leaves and small cream flowers
in spring. Slightly frost tender; rapid grow¬
ing. Height 3ft, spread 6ft.

Kunzea pomifera (Muntries): A flattish shrub,
with tapering branches generally forming an
elegant irregular outline studded with fluffy
cream flowers in spring. Neat foliage of good
appearance all seasons. Height 1ft or less,
spread 4ft.

Melaleuca pulchella (Clawflower): Easy to
grow, suppressing weeds with its arching
branches which make a dome shape or
cascade. Small dense foliage and beautiful
mauve claw flowers profuse in spring, con¬
tinuing till autumn. Height 3ft, spread 6ft.

Micromyrtus ciliata (Fringed Heath Myrtle):
A first choice for a fairly large scrub, long-
lived and hardy. Long arching and tapering
branches are densely outlined with tiny
foliage and close-set tiny flowers; these
open white or pink and fade to deeper pink
making a long season from early spring.
Height 3ft or less, spread 6ft.

Lotus corniculatus (Bird’s Foot Trefoil): A
wild flower of the Northern Hemisphere also,
it forms a loose cushion covered with gold
pea flowers in spring. For full sun, clip back

after flowering as its straggling stems
become shabby. Easy to grow from seed.
Height 1ft, spread 4ft.

Scleranthus biflorus (Knawel): Tiny foliage
masses tightly in this cushion plant of bright
green (often taken for moss), which has tiny
yellowish flowers in spring. Decorative singly
or in groups. For clean soil only as weeds
will grow through it. Height 6in, spread
15in.

Viola hederacea (Ivy-leaf Violet): A carpeting
plant dense in well-watered sites, specially
with summer shade. Flowers of white and
violet on erect stems from October to
December.

Pelargonium australe (Native Pelargonium):
For a larger-leaved ground cover, this is
attractive singly or in groups, each plant
making a compact clump with round sturdy
leaves above which pale pink flowers open
during spring and summer. Light soil and
good watering improve general quality and
size. Height 1 to 2ft, spread 2ft.

Prostanthera cuneata (Alpine Mint Bush): A
cushion-like shrub almost round or interest¬
ingly irregular. The neat dense leaves are
rounded and provide a dark background for
the large blue white flowers of good quality;
flowers in early spring. Height 1ft to 2ft,
spread 3ft.

Pultenaea pedunculata: A small shrub wild
in the ACT, of loose cushion habit, with
small firm leaves and masses of rich orange
pea flowers for weeks in spring. Height 1ft,
spread 3ft.

Scaevola aemula (Mauve Fanflower): A
beautiful soft shrubby plant for light soils
with stems erect at the centre, outer ones
spreading to form a loose cushion. Height
18in or less, spread 3ft. This plant needs
watering during drought periods.

HERBACEOUS AND CARPETING PLANTS

Carpobrotus aequilaterus (Angular Pigface):
Thick fleshy creeper, commonly covering
large patches by the sea. Easy to raise and
adaptable, it provides a quick clean cover
for such areas as drive strips. Shiny magenta
flowers in spring.

Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed): A rapid
carpeter covering any area with soft kidney¬
shaped leaves. Good for drive stripes, but
use with care among growing shrubs as its
matted roots are invasive. Slightly frosted in
coldest districts, but quickly recovering.
Height about Sin.

The above are a selection only of many
possible species, and most of them are avail¬
able from nurseries specializing in native
plants.

15

INDIGOFERA

AUSTRALIS

Indigofera australis:
Indigotera —recalling the
fact that indigo comes from
the leaves of some species;
australis —of southern lands

Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) is a tree¬
like shrub of the Pea family found in all
States, and varying in size, habit and colour
which is not surprising as it occurs over such
a wide area. Growing wild in harsh con¬
ditions it is often straggly and leaning with
few main stems, but with garden care it
becomes a superior plant with beautiful
sprays of blue-green foliage and dark
purplish stems. These are seen at their best
in a mixed border in contrast with other
greens in a display of foliage.

The forms most commonly sold are per¬
fectly frost hardy and also stand some
drought, though adequate watering improves
quality and prevents bare wood and dead
branches. Its natural habit is upright, to 7ft
high, with flexible stems tending to arch one
way, but it can be trimmed lightly to make a
strong and freely branched shrub. In certain
soils plants sometimes lean on the ground
after loosening by storms, and interesting
examples have been seen of such plants
adapting themselves to nearly prostrate
growth. Two such, after trimming, fanned out
to cover 10ft across. These strong shrubs
were improved by the experience and it sug¬
gested that the species is suitable for a
ground cover or cascading down a slope.

Leaves are openly spaced on the stems,
pinnate, around 4in long and velvety
smooth to the touch. Their appearance is
clean and fresh at all seasons, unblemished
by pests and diseases, and the beautiful
blue-green is most apparent during colder
months.

Flower colour is unusual, ranging through
soft purple hues, often pinkish and a change
from other species flowering at the same
time. The flowers are smooth, in short spires
in the leaf axils, freely produced and showy,
outlining the curves of the stems. They open
any time from mid-September and may con¬
tinue till November in a cool spring. After
flowering the shrub is hung with shiny,
bright-green pods ripening to squarish, hard
seed. This is always plentiful and is the
means by which young plants are raised.
The seeds are hard and need soaking over¬
night in hot water before sowing. Most soils
are suitable as long as free from lime, and
with ordinary attention to watering the plants
grow quickly after planting out and can be
expected to have a fairly long life if pro¬
tected from extreme drought.

Most nurseries dealing in native plants
stock this species. Only healthy specimens
should be chosen as it may not grow away
from a check.

GREVILLEA

BAUERI

Grevillea baueri: Grevillea —
after C. F. Greville, a patron
of botany, and once vice-
president of the Royal Society
of London; baueri —after the
German brothers Bauer,
botanical illustrators

This sturdy shrub from the mountain regions
of NSW is a most desirable addition to the
garden for its general hardiness and bright
winter flowers. The species is variable in
every way and a new plant begins early to
develop its own individual habit, which may
be spreading or upright; symmetrical or not.
It may reach at least 6ft high, or 10ft across.
Density of growth, leaf character and flower
colour also vary according to the district of
origin.

All forms are hardy to cold, and bushy
plants hardy to drought also. Those with
well-spaced branches are open to drying out
and without adequate watering may struggle
for several years, gradually deteriorating into
bare wood with poor foliage and flowers.
Regeneration is then unlikely even if the
shrub is watered and trimmed later.

One form is upright and rounded, with a
stiff open frame. The closely set leaves—a
pleasant mid-green—are three-quarters of
an inch long with waving margins and rough
upper surfaces, tough in character. Over the
bold outline of the shrub individual flowers
open, in heads about 2in across and
blacken as they die. A conspicuous dark
style extends stiffly from each flower and the
colour is rich crimson with cream tints. The
season starts in April, continuing all winter,
with bright flushes during mild showery
spells. Flowers open well into November

though somewhat eclipsed by the spring
show.

Another form has attractive bushy growth,
lighter and softer in character, and it tends
to make a natural dome with graceful arch¬
ing branches. A spread of 7ft wide by 4ft
high at four years old is an example of
typical rapid progress, and naturally it is a
good large ground cover. Towards the end
of winter new growing tips are freely made,
giving coppery tints which are held for many
weeks. At this time, the first flowers are
opening in soft rose crimson, dotted all over
the shrub.

Pruning is generally not necessary, but a
little light pruning may be done to advantage
if sprigs of flowers are taken for indoor
decoration during winter.

Seed is often found, but propagation is
easy from cuttings, specially towards the
end of winter, and short, half-ripe tips root
readily in gentle heat. Plants may be bought
from some nurseries dealing in native plants,
and they succeed when planted in lime-free
soils, preferably lighter ones.

Adequate watering is desirable and avoids
the risk of a check. Plants are generally
healthy, though sometimes on close inspec¬
tion aphids are noticed. This species will
cross with others such as G. lanigera and
G. rosmarinifolia to produce new and worth¬
while subjects.

HYPOCAL YMMA
ANGUSTIFOUUM

Hypocalymma angustilolium:
Hypocalymma —from two
Greek words, under, and a
veil, alluding to the calyx;
angustifolium —narrow leaved

The Pink-flowered Myrtle (Hypocalymma
angustifolium) is a small shrub related to the
Tea Tree (Leptospermum) and the Bottle¬
brush (Callistemon) and common in WA. It is
unusual and dainty when flowering for a few
weeks in spring and does best when found
a position sheltered from strong winds.

It is frost hardy but not a tough subject
either in winter storms or summer heat.
Growth is dry and fragile and an exposed
plant is liable to be blown sideways, becom¬
ing a poor shape, with bare wood. In shelter,
however, with adequate water and with
yearly pruning for bushy growth, a more lush
plant results which will live a good number
of years with continued care. When five
years old it will probably be a dense shrub
3ft high with flexible, thin branches weeping
to cover the ground 5ft across.

Leaves are up to an inch long and linear.
They emerge from the greyish papery stems
in opposite pairs either at right angles or
reflexed and the effect is spiky. When
bruised their perfume is sweet and spicy.

General appearance through the year is
dull or inconspicuous, but the flowers
always attract attention when the season
begins in October or even mid-September
in early years. They are set close on the
stems in whorls of three of four in the axils
of the leaves, and like them are very regular
and neat. Opening first at the stem tips,
flowers are cup-shaped with stamens very
prominent giving a fringed effect. Colour
may be white, cream or pink and the pink
forms deepen to red with age so that there
is always a range of soft carmine tints along
the stems. Bees are often seen visiting the
small flowers.

New tips are growing as flowering passes,
and these when half ripe are used as
cuttings for propagation. Seed has not been
found here. Most nurseries dealing in native
plants stock this shrub, and when planting
out the local lighter soils are suitable, as
long as free from lime. From early stages it is
a good plan to give a mulch of leaf mould or
compost around a young plant to keep the
soil cool, along with light trimmings for
bushy growth. With adequate water it then
grows away quickly and flowers while young.
Serious pests and diseases have not been
noticed.

This is a very pretty shrub for cutting, easy
to arrange and living in shallow water for a
long time. It will sometimes dry out if left,
keeping enough colour for use in dried
arrangements.

BORONIA

HETEROPHYLLA

On seeing the Red or Kalgan Boronia
(Boronia heterophylla) in vivid flower every¬
one may wish to have one, and may wonder
if it is easy to obtain and grow. It may be
bought from some nurseries dealing in native
plants, and its popularity is established in
gardens as an easily-grown medium shrub
which will live a good number of years with
simple care.

Like the Brown Boronia (B. megastigma)
it is native to WA, is more robust and has a
sweet scent in both leaves and flowers,
though less powerful than the better known
species. When lingering over the scent a
slightly bitter aroma is sometimes noticed
recalling Rue, and other plants of this family
(Rutaceae) to which Boronias belong.

Growth is dense, flexible and soft in all
parts and quite hardy to local winter con¬
ditions. Drought and hot winds, however,
are not tolerated, and adequate water must
be given specially in summer. It is essential
to keep the roots cool and as watering on
bare soil will not do this in extreme heat a
mulch must be used unless nearby plants
provide shade. Making sure the ground is
soaked first several inches of leaf mould or
compost should be put around the plant.
Another method is to use sizeable flat rocks.
These look attractive, and in fact a large
rockery makes a fine setting for this subject;
with its roots protected it flourishes in full
sun.

In habit it is evenly round or oval, quickly
making a mature specimen which may be 3ff
high when two years old from planting, and
eventually reaching over 4ft high. Healthy
foliage has a fresh appearance all the year
and individual leaves may vary on one plant
from narrow and simple to finely divided.

Boronia heterophylla: Boronia
—after an Italian, F. Borone
who accompanied expeditions
in the 18th century;
heterophylla —variable leaves

From the leaf axils the flowers hang on
short stalks, squarish waxy bells a quarter of
an inch long, in clusters of two or three or
singly. They appear around the third week
of October and are a brilliant magenta pink,
an unusual colour among shrubs at this
season. On fading they close again to look
like pointed buds and turn paler pink and
white; this colour holds till around mid-
December in a cool spring. They finally fall,
and seed has not been found here.

Propagation is easy from cuttings, using
young stem tips at a half-ripe stage; plants
succeed in any lime-free soil, light or heavy.
Pruning is another operation which should
be done regularly to keep up bushy growth,
and if desired this may be combined with
cutting freely for decoration. This is a good
time to prune as before flowering is over
new growth is starting which would be lost
if pruned later.

No serious pests or diseases have been
noted.

Melaleuca incana: Melaleuca —
from two Greek words, melas,
black and leukos, white,
because the first Melaleuca
described had white branches
against a black trunk possibly
blackened by fire; another
opinion contrasts the white
bark with the very dark foliage
of some species; incana —
hoary

MELALEUCA

INCANA

20

This weeping shrub with feathery foliage
tinted blue-green or grey attracts admiration
whenever seen. It is the Grey Honey Myrtle
of south-west Australia, an easy subject for
the beginner in growing native plants or for
any gardener looking for an unusual and
useful addition to the garden.

It grows rapidly to about 6ft high and wide
at five years old, with compact soft growth
to ground level, its weeping tips waving in
the breeze. Eventual height is at least 9ft
though size and shape can be determined by
pruning. It has a naturally dense frame of thin
branches from the base and when estab¬
lished resists drought well though adequate
water brings lusher growth. Specimens
exposed to drought associated with strong
winds have been seen in poor condition. The
species is hardy to cold, and only in winters
of unusually hard frosts has slight chilling
been noticed in the foliage.

Leaves are narrow, half an inch long, and
like the young stems are covered with trans¬
parent hairs which are enhanced by cold.
These give the hoary appearance which is
less apparent in summer. Foliage tints
change with the seasons, and pale green is
added to the grey with new tips in spring and
autumn. These turn pinkish with the first
May frosts and deepen to purple as winter
advances, specially in open situations.

The beautiful primrose yellow brush
flowers are up to an inch long, soft and
graceful like the foliage. They open towards
the end of October for three to four weeks
and are profuse in a good year. If water has
been scarce in preceding months flowering
is sparse and brief, but the home gardener
can guard against this.

Small woody seed capsules follow and
remain on the shrub some years, yielding
plentiful seed for easy propagation. Plants
may also be raised from cuttings if neces¬
sary, using two to three inches of stem tips
when half ripened.

Most nurseries dealing in native plants
stock this species, and most soils are suit¬
able especially lighter ones. It must not dry
out while young, and it is liable to wind¬
rocking while a single stemmed young plant.
Among its many uses are as a thick, trimmed
hedge; to hide a fence; or grouped in public
grounds.

Pruning and decorating may be combined
as both flowers and foliage are pleasant and
easy to arrange, lasting well in water even
as long sprays. An established plant may be
cut freely.

Occasional white scale is the only pest
noticed and this may be controlled by white
oil sprays. Several applications are usually
necessary for a complete kill.

MICROMYRTUS CIL/ATA

The Fringed Heath Myrtle (Micromyrtus
ciliata) is a well-known shrub which will
interest every gardener looking for the
choicest plants. Graceful in appearance yet
tough in constitution, it remains healthy for
years with little or no attention. Once estab¬
lished and bushy it stands drought well, or
if any branches should die out it regenerates
well after watering later. However, adequate
water ensures more lush and continuous
growth and must be given for the first years
after planting.

Habit varies from prostrate to upright, and
the low forms are specially attractive. With
age it may spread over 9ft across, slowly
reaching 3ft high with long arching and
tapering branches. In a sunny position
growth is dense and stiff—an excellent
ground cover for keeping down weeds. It is
spectacular in a large rockery and lends
itself to landscaping design around the walls
of buildings as well as to any slope or front
of border.

This species has the tiniest of leaves and
flowers among native garden shrubs, but
both are of solid substance for their size,
and being massed are effective. Leaves are
precise pairs, an arrangement often seen in
shrubs of the family Myrtaceae to which also
Paperbarks ( Melaleuca) belong. It gives
them a neat and clean appearance at all
seasons and thus many are valued as foliage

plants apart from their flowering interest.
The leaves of all are aromatic when bruised
and seldom blemished by pests or diseases.

Towards the end of winter the shrub
brightens to carmine as flower buds with
reddish calyces develop. The flowers outline
the branches in clusters at the end of short
lateral stems, and open first low on the
branches. Flowers are cup-shaped with five
rounded petals, white or flushed pink or red,
often mingled on the same plant.

They age to deeper reds and remain firm
for many weeks thus extending the season
of colour till the end of November. In some
years stray autumn flowers appear.

Good seed is difficult to obtain and
propagation is by means of cuttings of stem
tips taken when half ripened. Young plants
can generally be bought from nurseries deal¬
ing in native plants and sometimes are
offered under separate horticultural names
according to habit and colour. When plant¬
ing out they should be given light soil free
from lime and they then grow quickly,
coming into flower while young. Pruning is
optional and a little light trimming is effected
if sprays of flowers are cut for decoration.
These are easy to arrange and long-lasting
in shallow bowls of water. Sometimes as
they dry out slowly such stems will keep
enough colour to be useful in dried arrange¬
ments.

Micromyrtus ciliata: Micro —
small; myrtus —a Myrtle;
ciliata —fringed, alluding to
the fringe of minute stiff hairs
round the leaves

21

Westringia fruticosa:
Westringia —after J. P.
Westring, an 18th century
Swedish physician; fruticosa
—shrubby, bushy

WESTRINGIA

FRUTICOSA

As a large permanent feature in a garden or
public grounds where space is available, the
Coastal or Native Rosemary (Westringia
fruticosa) is an excellent choice. It is an
easily grown shrub of simple and neat
appearance which grows wild near the coast
of NSW. Stretches of it are seen hugging
the cliffs and down to beach level, either
prostrate or several feet high depending on
situation.

White flowers dot the shapely plants.
Growth is naturally stiff and bushy but re-
22 sponds to garden treatment by growing

much taller. It reaches at least 6ft high and
15ft across, often forming a regular dome
with its lower branches covering the ground.
It is useful as a large type of ground-cover
plant. Sometimes it throws out one or two
main branches to develop an irregular habit,
but generally the plant is shapely. After
reaching a mature size it does not deterior¬
ate quickly with age as some species do,
but maintains a good condition for years.
During the coldest weather it keeps a fresh
appearance and is also drought hardy,
though adequate water should be given to
avoid a tendency to yellowing leaves and
bare wood.

Foliage is a dark, even green, and a cover¬
ing of short hairs on the young tip growths
and leaf undersides gives a silvery tint which
adds to its attractiveness. Leaves are up to
three-quarters of an inch long, narrow and
pointed and set closely in whorls around the
stem. The name Rosemary refers to the
appearance of the plant only, as the leaves
have not the familiar aroma though a light
scent has been noticed in the flowers in
one location.

The flowers are also three-quarters of an
inch long, set round the stems in the axils
of the leaves. In shape they resemble other
flowers of the Mint family. They are from
white to palest mauve with reddish and
yellow brown spots near the throat. Though
the shrub is never smothered in flowers,
they are conspicuous against the dark
foliage and are seen most months of the
year except in extreme heat or cold. In
November they are abundant.

Young plants raised from cuttings may be
bought from nurseries specializing in native
species, and may be planted in any soil.
Owing to its original habitat it is a good
choice for a seaside garden, withstanding
salt spray. As a cut flower the stiff straight
sprays are surprisingly handsome, especially
where a large arrangement is wanted, as
quite long sprays live well in water and
continue to open their buds for weeks. Yet
another use is as an indoor plant when it
remains equally fresh in a reasonably cool
atmosphere, and continues flowering.

Pests and diseases never seem to trouble
this species.

THRYPTOMENE
CAL YCINA

Thryptomene calycina:
Thryptomene —a Greek word
meaning made small, alluding
to the small size of most
Thryptomenes; calycina —
emphasising the prominent
calyx of the flower

The Grampians Heath Myrtle (Thryptomene
calycina) is a beautiful shrub found growing
wild in south-west Victoria, where it is
common on rocky mountainsides. In Can¬
berra it is slightly frost tender and usually
needs protection in its early years, though
in some sheltered positions, as under tall
trees, this may not be necessary. Such a
choice species, however, is worth some
trouble and should be covered from mid-
May to mid-August. A neat method is to put
three stakes round the plant over which
hessian or newspaper can be thrown each
night. In later years an established and
bushy young plant is no worse for having
some tips killed, and grows away in spring
as if it had been lightly pruned.

A rounded bush develops, soft in charac¬
ter, with dense branching and unusually free
lateral growth hiding the frame down to
ground level. It is as well to keep it bushy by
pruning if necessary for as an open plant its
brittle branches are liable to be broken by
sudden winds or the weight of snow. Growth
is rapid and a shrub may be over 6ft high
and 8ft wide at seven years old, though size
and shape can be controlled by pruning. In
a frost-free district it could be used as a
hedge plant. It is only moderately drought
resistant and should receive adequate water
during dry spells.

The foliage is small, neat and smooth and
aromatic on brushing past the shrub. Its
general appearance is clean and healthy in
all seasons and the young growing stems
have reddish tints during summer.

Flowers of exceptional quality are the
main attractions of this species, which
flowers from autumn to spring. During April
the first pinkish buds appear low on the
branches and open to tiny flat flowers facing
all one way on straight tapering sprays. They
are pure white with a dark eye. Flowering
gradually spreads over the shrub until in
mid-winter the plant appears covered with
snowy spires. These are checked only by the
severest spells of cold. On fading, the
flowers become suffused with pink tints
which are held until mid-October and merge
into the brighter spring show of other plants.

This is a perfect cut flower lasting many
weeks in water even as long sprays. At the
same time the cutting of sprays of flowers
carries out some pruning. This is advisable
to retain a bushy shape and avoids bare
wood as well as prolonging the life of the
shrub. Young plants are generally raised
from cuttings and may be bought from some
nurseries dealing in native plants. In the
garden, Thryptomene requires light soil free
from lime in the sun or in light shade. No
pests or diseases have been noticed.

23

INDEX

Acacia cardiophyita, 8, 9
Acacia dealbata, 8, 9
Acacia deanei, 8
Acacia diftusa, 9
Acacia drummondii, 13
Acacia flexifolia, 8
Acacia fioribunda, 9
Acacia glandulicarpa, 8
Acacia longilolia, 8
Acacia obtusata, 8, 9
Acacia parramattensis, 8
Acacia prominens, 8, 9
Acacia spectabilis, 8, 9
Acacia suaveolens, 8
Acacia subulata, 8, 9
Acacia verticillata, 9
Acidity, Soil, 4

Backhousia citriodora, 9
Baeckea ramosissima, 14
Banks, Sir Joseph, 3
Banksia asplenilolia, 3
Banksia baxteri, 6
Banksia, Coastal, 6
Banksia ericilolia, 5
Banksia, Hair Pin, 6
Banksia, Heath-leafed, 6
Banksia integrilolia, 5, 6
Banksia marginata, 3, 5
Banksia media, 6
Banksia robur, 6
Banksia, Saw, 6
Banksia serrata, 5, 6
Banksia serratilolia, 6
Banksia, Silver, 6
Banksia spinuiosa, 5, 6
Banksias, 5

Beaufortia squarrosa, 9
Boronia, Brown, 9
Boronia dichotoma, 7
Boronia elatior, 8, 9
Boronia fioribunda, 8, 9
Boronia heterophylla, 8, 9, 19
Boronia megastigma 8, 9, 19
Boronia, Pink, 9
Boronia, Red or Kalgan, 9, 19
Boronia, Tall, 9
Bottle Brush, 3
Bottle Brush, Sand Heath, 9

Caley, George, 3
Calocephalus brownii, 14
Caiothamnus chrysantherus, 9
Carpobrotus aequilaterus, 15
Cassia odorata, 14
Claw Flower, 9, 15
Clover Bush, 12
Correa reflexa, 3
Croweas, 7
Cryptandra amara, 9
Cryptandra propinqua, 9
Cultivation, General, 3
Cushion Bush, 14

Daisies, Everlasting, 9
Daisy Bush, Twiggy, 9

Daisy, Yellow Paper, 9
Darwinia, 9
Darwinia citriodora, 9
Dichondra repens, 15
Dichopogon fimbriatus, 9
Drainage, 3
Drumsticks, 11

Epacris longiflora, 3
Eriostemon myoporoides, 7
Eucalyptus baeuerlenii, 9
Eucalyptus globoidea, 9

Fanflower, Mauve, 15
Fertilizers, 4

Golden Tip, 12
Goodia iotitoiia, 12
Greville, C. F., 3
Grevillea baueri, 14, 17
Grevillea biternata, 8, 14
Grevillea caleyi, 3
Grevillea capitellata, 14
Grevillea confertifolia, 15
Grevillea, Laurel, 15
Grevillea laurifolia, 15
Grevillea juniperina, 14, 15
Grevillea paniculata, 8
Grey Sally, 9
Gum, Dwarf Cliff, 9

Hakea eriantha, 9
Hakea erinacea, 9
Hakea, Hedgehog, 9
Hakea nodosa, 9
Hakea sericea, 9
Hakea, Silky, 9
Hakea, Tree, 9
Hakea, Yellow, 9
Hakeas, 9

Heath Myrtle, Fringed, 15, 21
Heath Myrtle, Rosy, 14
Helichrysum bracteatum, 9
Hibbertia scandens, 1
Homoranthus virgatus, 15
Honey Myrtle, Grampians, 23
Honey Myrtle, Grey, 20
Honey Myrtle, Slender, 9
Honey Myrtle, Thyme, 9
Honey Myrtle, Wilson's, 10
Hypocalymma angustifolium, 18
Hypocalymma corditolium, 15

Indigo, Austral, 16
Indigofera australis, 16
isopogon anemonilolius, 11

Kidney Weed, 15
Knawel, 15
Kunzea pomitera, 15

Leptospermum citratum, 9
Leptospermum parvifolium, 9
Leptospermum petersonii, 9
Leptospermum scoparium var.

rotundifolium, 3
Lily, Nodding Chocolate, 9
Lotus corniculatus, 15

Melaleuca erubescens, 9
Melaleuca gibbosa, 9
Melaleuca incana, 20
Melaleuca pulchella, 9,15
Melaleuca thymifolia, 9
Melaleuca wilsonii, 10
Mentha diemenica, 9
Micromyrtus ciliata, 15, 21
Mint Bush, Alpine, 15
Mulching, 4
Muntries, 15

Myrtle, Cream-flowered, 15
Myrtle, Lemon-scented, 9
Myrtle, Pink-flowered, 18
Myrtle, Sweet Verbena, 9

Naming Plants, 3
Native Fuschia, 3

Olearia ramulosa, 9
Olearias, 9

Paperbark, Pink, 9
Paperbark, Scented, 9
Pelargonium australe, 4, 15
Pelargonium, Native, 15
Phebalium, 7
Pigface, Angular, 15
Prickly Moses, 9
Prostanthera, 9
Prostanthera cuneata, 15
Pultenaea pedunculata, 15

Rosemary, Native or Coastal, 9,
22

Scaevoia aemula, 15
Scented Plants, 8
Scieranthus biflorus, 14, 15
Society for Growing Australian
Plants, 3

Sowerbaea juncea, 9
Stringybark, White, 9

Tea Tree, Lemon-scented, 9
Thryptomene calycina, 23
Trefoil, Bird’s Foot, 15

Vanilla Plant, 9
Viola hederacea, 15
Violet, Ivy-leaf, 15

Watering, 4
Wattle, Awl-leaf, 9
Wattle, Diffuse, 9
Wattle, Drummond’s, 13
Wattle, Glory, Showy or Mudgee,
9

Wattle, Gosford, 9
Wattle, Obtuse, 9
Wattle, Sallow, Gossamer or
Catkin, 9
Wattle, Silver, 9
Wattle, Sweet-scented, 8
Wattle, Wyalong, 9
Westringia fruticosa, 2, 9, 22

Yellow Pea, 12

Printed by Wilke and Company Limited, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton, Victoria

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