Agonis flexuosa

Myrtaceae

Willow Myrtle

Australian native plant. Small to medium tree, 8m+ tall with a spreading canopy, pendulous branches and peppermint-scented narrow leaves. Small white 5-petalled flowers with a slight fragrance in spring-summer. Moderate growth rate. New cultivars available, including dwarf varieties and varieties with dark burgundy foliage.

Uses

Good shade tree; popular in native gardens; tolerates coastal conditions; foliage used as a filler in cut flower arrangements. Dwarf cultivars make good tub specimens.

Culture

Adaptable plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil; also tolerates dry conditions and heavy wet soils. Tolerates light frosts but must be protected when young. Prune annually to maintain shape.

Propagation

The species propagates easily from seed (no pre-germination treatments). Cuttings are also possible but take some time to produce roots.

Cultivars must be propagated by cuttings.

Cultivars

'After Dark': Beautiful specimen with dark purple foliage; 6m tall by 4m spread.

'Lemon and Lime': Dense, weeping tree with lime green foliage to 8m tall with a similar spread.

'Nana': Weeping, dwarf form to 2m by 2m.

'Variegata': Yellow variegated, drooping foliage; 10m by 4m.

'Weeping Wonder': A fine leaf form 2m x 2m

 

Plant Health

Susceptible to Phytophthora, Root Rot and Myrtle Rust.

More info

Book: ‘The Native Plant Expert’ by John Mason is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/ Video: ‘Australian Native Plants’ produced by Australian Correspondence Schools is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/ Landscape Design and Home Garden Expert courses are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see www.acs.edu.au/hort

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