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Astrotricha spp.
Overview
Astrotricha is a genus of about twenty evergreen shrubs and subshrubs in the ivy family, endemic to Australia. The genus is named for the star-shaped (stellate) hairs that coat the young stems, flower clusters, and the undersides of the leaves with a woolly white to rust-colored felt. Leaves are narrow to lance-shaped, 1-6 inches (2.5-15 cm) long, dark green and often glossy above and densely white-woolly beneath, sometimes with rolled-under margins. Plants grow 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m) tall and upright, with few branches. Small flowers, greenish to white or purple-tinged, are carried in open branched panicles above the foliage in spring and summer, followed by small dry fruits. Growth is open and somewhat sparse, and many species are short-lived pioneers that colonize disturbed and burnt ground. Plants need sharp drainage and are cut down by wet, heavy soil and hard frost.
Native Range
Endemic to eastern and southern Australia, where species grow in dry sclerophyll forest, heath, woodland, and rocky slopes, often on sandy or gravelly soils. Several species appear quickly after fire on disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in native, dry, and coastal gardens and on well-drained banks, spaced 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) apart. The contrast of dark leaves with white-woolly undersides places it in foliage and bush-garden plantings. Container culture suits sharply drained mixes in frost-prone areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 6'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-white to purple-tingedFoliage Description
dark green above, white to rust woolly beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to light shade in sharply drained sandy or gravelly soil and tolerate dry conditions once established. Wet, heavy, or poorly drained soil and hard frost both cut plants down. Watering is sparing once established, as the roots rot in constantly damp ground. Many species are short-lived, persisting 5-10 years, and are renewed from seed or cuttings. Few pests trouble the foliage. Light tip pruning after flowering keeps growth bushier.Pruning
Stems are tip-pruned lightly after flowering to limit legginess and encourage branching. Spent flower panicles are removed as they brown. Old, woody plants are usually replaced rather than cut back hard, as they reshoot poorly from bare wood.Pruning Schedule
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons