Family: Myrtaceae

Of the 70 or so species of this genus, most occur naturally in Western Australia. Few of the eastern species are generally cultivated. The small leaves are pungently aromatic when crushed and the starry flowers, with a number of fine stamens, are quite unusual. They bloom in masses of white, yellow, pink, rose or violet from spring through to summer.

Species

C. alpestris, snow myrtle, is an erect or spreading shrub growing to 1.5 m (5 ft). It has fine, dark foliage and pink buds opening to white, star-like flowers in spring.

C. tetragona, common fringe myrtle, grows in many parts of Australia. It has narrow, heath-like leaves which are sometimes hairy, and star-shaped, pink or white flowers. It grows between 90 cm and 1.2 m (36-48 in) high. This is the species most often grown in gardens.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, they are grown in a light, airy, cool greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of acid, soil-based potting compost. Outdoors, grow in full sun or semi-shade and in very well drained, acid to neutral soil. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings during summer.

Climate

Zone 9.