Baeckea virgata (Heath myrtle, Baeckea)

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Plant description

Baeckea virgata is a hardy evergreen native shrub that bears masses of small white flowers in summer. The foliage is soft and fine leafed, and shiny green. It grows to around 2 metres high and wide, and comes in variable forms. Some are more upright in habit, others can have arched weeping foliage. 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.

Baeckea 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.

Baeckea has undergone some revision, and is also known as Babingtonia bidwillii.

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: summer

Plant size

Maximum height: 2 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 2 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

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

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Butterflies, bees.

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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