Philotheca myoporoides (Syn. Eriostemon myoporoides)

(Wax-flower)

For a pinky alternative to Polygala, Philotheca myoporoides is just as tough, but without the weedy reputation. The only drawback to this plant is its name. It is still commonly called Eriostemon (affecting a Rastafarian accent might help if you've never pronounced this one before), but the botanical name changed several years ago to Philotheca. The "common" name of wax-flower, more commonly associated with Hoyas, is so general as to be virtually useless. I'm going to fly in the face of all my horticultural training here and persist in calling it Eriostemon because to do otherwise when plant shopping is to embark on a world of blank looks.

But that's the only bad thing you can say about Eriostemon. In spring, these shrubs are covered in a combination of pink buds opening to white flowers. They are extremely tough plants, growing well in the sun or in part shade and rainfall is usually sufficient to keep them going. They grow to 1-2m and can be pruned to a formal hedge shape, but the natural growth tends to be fairly compact and neat.

Being from the Rutaceae family, like lemons or boronias, Eriostemon foliage has glands that emit a citrusy scent when touched. This makes them particularly attractive as a cut flower.

Picture with permission from a lovely website www.duckpond-design.com.au/theduckpond

Click here to return to the list.

The information contained on this page is Copyright © SGA and intended for personal use only.
You may not use the information for any other purpose without the express written permission of SGA.