Family: Myrtaceae
Common Name: False Baeckea

These pretty flowering shrubs, native to Western Australia, are similar to their tea-tree relatives (Leptospermum species). Rarely grown outside their native country, they make excellent garden ornamentals in frost-free Climates as they bloom profusely for most of the year, and also work well as an informal hedge or low windbreak, if trimmed and watered well to encourage bushiness.

These plants can reach 1 m (3 ft) in height and a spread of 1.3 m (4 ft). The long, arched branches, laden with fresh sprays of the delicate flowers, look very pretty in a vase. The open, five-petalled flowers come in white or pink - often with a deeper pink at the base. In spring and autumn, these shrubs are absolutely covered in blooms.

Species

A. fascicularis produces dense sprays of starry, long-lasting, whitish pink flowers almost all year round. This species grows at a medium rate to 1 m (3 ft) and flowers when young. Prune to encourage a bushy shape.

A. heterantha, a low-growing, compact shrub, has masses of small, starry, pinkish white flowers, which display their blooms most profusely in spring and autumn.

Cultivation

Grow in pots under glass in frost-prone Climates. Outdoors they are easily cultivated and are resistant to drought and wind, although a warm, sheltered position improves flowering. Plant in any lime-free garden soil in either an open or shaded location and water well during hot weather. Prune regularly. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in autumn. Root them in sharp sand and peat or vermiculite at a rate of 3:1. They can also be propagated from seed.

Climate

Warm temperate, frost-free, including coastal gardens.