Babingtonia bidwillii (Twiggy honey myrtle)

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Plant description

Babingtonia bidwillii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub. The foliage is soft and fine leafed, and shiny green, and it bears masses of small white flowers in spring to summer. It grows to around 2 metres high and wide, and comes in variable forms, from upright to arched weeping habits. It naturally makes a dense, tidy plant, but can also be pruned to a desired height and shape if required. It is a good background shrub, for low hedges, and is also used for bonsai work. Both the foliage and the flowering stems are good for cut flower work. It is an easy care plant, rarely bothered by pests or disease. The flowers are lightly honey scented, and attract butterflies and bees.

Babingtonia likes a sunny to part shaded position. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but does best on a well drained loamy soil. It is dry tolerant once established, but does appreciate watering in long dry spells. It is frost and moderately salt tolerant.

Babingtonia bidwillii was previously known as Baeckia virgata.

Further reading: Top ten native plants and Best natives for pots and small gardens (articles written by native plant expert and horticulturalist Angus Stewart).

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: white
Flowering season: spring summer

Plant size

Maximum height: 2.5 metres
Minimum height: 1 metres

Maximum width: 2.5 metres
Minimum width: 1 metres

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Butterflies, birds.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: dry, moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Soil pH: 5.5-7.5

Miscellaneous information

Native to: Australia.

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

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