Family: Rutaceae

This genus comprises around 100 species prized for their sweet flowers and delightful fragrance. Most of the species have aromatic leaves, and in some the flowers are also highly perfumed. All Australian natives, they have simple or compound leaves and purple, pink, white, brown or yellow flowers.

Species

Not all boronias are available outside their native Australia.

B. heterophylla, Kalgan boronia, is a frost-hardy species, with feathery leaves and masses of pink, cup-shaped, fragrant flowers in spring. It grows to 2 m (6 ft).

B. ledifolia, Sydney boronia, is a rounded evergreen that grows to 1 m (3 ft) tall. It has rosy pink, starry flowers in winter and spring. The flowers of this species are pleasantly perfumed but the leaves are not.

B. megastigma, brown boronia, is a fragrant, slender bush which prefers a semi-shaded position. It grows to 1 m (3 ft) tall. Its flowers are purplish brown outside and dull yellow inside. The blooms make excellent cut flowers.

B. pinnata, feather-leaf boronia, is an open, slender bush, to 2 m (6 ft) tall, which can be grown in most areas. Its pink, highly perfumed flowers usually form in clusters of three.

B. serrulata, native rose, has small, bright green, serrated leaves and clusters of bright rose, cup-shaped, spring flowers. Both the leaves and the flowers are perfumed.

Cultivation

Boronias need acid or neutral soil. In very frosty climates, grow in pots or soil borders in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Use acid soil-based potting compost and provide maximum light.

Outdoors, boronias prefer a cool position, protected from hot winds, and a deep, cool, sandy loam, with a gritty texture. Very good drainage is essential. Boronias should not be allowed to dry out. To create bushy specimens, tip prune the plants after flowering. Propagate from short soft-tip cuttings in spring or early summer. Strike in pots in a mixture of coarse sand and peat. A frame is advisable. Boronias do not last well if grown in the house.

Climate

Zone 9 and above.