Lomatia myricoides

May I introduce to you Lomatia myricoides, the lovely locally-occurring native shrub, which is currently in flower and delighting passerby with its sweet perfume. Growing up to 5m with a 3m spread, this versatile plant from the Proteaceae family thrives in that tough, shady yet dry spot in the garden. Surprisingly, Lomatia myricoides grows equally well in a sunnier aspect providing it receives some protection from drying summer winds. Its habit is generally more open with semi-weeping branches if left to grow naturally. You can however, prune growth back by approximately one third after flowering if you prefer a more compact appearance or want to maintain its height. Aside from their perfume and delicate appearance for our seeming enjoyment, I have noticed the flowers are popular with pollinators including beneficial predatory hoverflies, and both domestic and native bees.

 
Lomatia grows in a wide range of soils including those of clay origin (avoid high Phosphorous fertilisers or imported soils designed for veggies and exotics), and it can be readily propagated via seed or cuttings.