Family: Myrtaceae

This small genus of Western Australian evergreen trees and shrubs has graceful foliage and flowers. The white, sometimes pink, flowers appear in masses along the branches in spring and summer. The trees grow rapidly and are adaptable. They are suitable for ornamental planting and in frost-prone Climates can be grown in a cool glasshouse.

Species

Not all are readily available outside their country of origin.

A. flexuosa, willow myrtle, is the best known species. It has rough, dark gray bark, weeping foliage, aromatic green leaves and tiny white flowers which bloom in summer. The fruit is red when ripe, with small black seeds, from which the plant propagates itself. It is a robust tree, reaching 7 m (23 ft) in height. 'Variegata' is shrubby and grows to a height of 3 m (10 ft), with very attractive foliage marked in pink and cream. It seldom flowers.

A. juniperina, juniper myrtle, is an upright tree, with rich green narrow leaves, which are highly perfumed, and masses of white flowers. It is very attractive and grows tc a height of 7 m (23 ft).

A. linearifolia, an upright shrub with dense foliage and whit( summer flowers, grows to 3 m (10 ft).

A. marginata is a small tree with small, soft, oval leaves, with silky hairs, and white flowers with pink centers.

A. parviceps has very small, dense, narrow leaves and clusters of small white flowers. It grows upright to 2 m (6 ft).

Cultivation

In frost-prone Climates grow in pots of well-drained potting compost in a cool glasshouse or conservatory. Outdoors these trees and shrubs require a warm, well-drained spot. Once established, they are able to survive without much water, but need to be kept fairly moist when young. Prune only if necessary to improve their shape. Propagate from ripened seed in spring and sow in a sharp sand and peat mix of 3:1. Seeds germinate easily.

Climate

Agonis are suited to growing in zone 10.