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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Rutaceae (Citrus) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [Eriostemon myoporoides ' Profusion'] |
| Height: 4-5 feet |
| Width: 4-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F |
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Philotheca myoporoides 'Profusion' (Long-leaf wax flower) - This hardy, compact shrub, grows to 4-5 ft. tall and wide. In late winter and early spring, pink buds open to a profusion of white flowers. It has aromatic leaves that are somewhat reminiscent of the apple fragrance when the plant is brushed against or if the leaves are crushed. It does best in dappled shade, but will tolerate full sun. It tolerates frost and extended dry periods and appreciates well-drained soils, especially if regularly irrigated. Though not fond of alkaline conditions and prone to chlorosis in these conditions, plants react well to supplemental chelated iron and slow release fertilizers - consider using fertilizers developed for citrus. This plant is great for cut flowers and cut foliage and responds well to being lightly pruned or sheared back hard. It is useful in brightening up a spot in dappled shade. The species is endemic to south-eastern Australia from Queensland south to New South Wales to Victoria. It was first described as Erisotemon myoporoides in 1824 by Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle but was transferred to the genus Philotheca in 1998 based on a revision of the genus by Mike Bayly. The name Eriostemon came from the Greek words 'erion' meaning "wool" and 'stemon' meaning "stamen" because the stamen filaments are covered with soft woolly hairs. The name Philotheca comes from the the Greek words 'philos' meaing "loved", "beloved" or "dear" and 'theke' meaing a "receptacle" or "box" referring to the seed capsule. The specific epithet means resembling plants in the genus Myoporum. This species was one of the more common native plants used in Australian gardens dating back to the early 1900s because of it hardiness to a wide range of conditions and was first introduced into cultivation in England in 1924.
The information about Philotheca myoporoides 'Profusion' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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