Calytrix tetragona
fringe myrtle
Overview
Calytrix tetragona is an evergreen heath-like shrub native to southern Australia, growing 1.5-6.5 feet (0.5-2 m) tall with slender, wiry branches. The small linear leaves are 0.1-0.3 inch (3-8 mm) long, crowded along the stems, and aromatic when crushed. In spring and early summer the branches are covered in star-shaped flowers about 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) across, white to pink, each of the five petals tapering into a long bristle or awn. After the petals fall, the reddish calyx lobes extend into feathery awns that persist and create a second show of colour, the trait behind the common name fringe myrtle. The plant grows in heathland, woodland, and rocky sites on well-drained sandy soils. It is sensitive to prolonged wet soil and root disturbance, and individual plants can be short-lived. Bushfire often triggers regeneration from soil-stored seed.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland, growing in heathland, dry forest, and rocky outcrops.Suggested Uses
Grown in native gardens, rockeries, and containers for its spring flowers and fringed seed heads, and used in heathland restoration. Suited to low-water and coastal plantings on free-draining soils. Its dislike of wet ground and short lifespan are the main limitations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 6'6"
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Star-shaped white to pink flowers open in spring and early summer, mainly September to December, smothering the branches. As the petals drop, the calyx lobes lengthen into reddish feathery awns that hold colour for several more weeks. Flowering is heaviest after a wet winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-9 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
Calytrix tetragona grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. It withstands drought once established and needs little summer water. Sharp drainage matters, as prolonged wet soil leads to root rot. It tolerates frost to about 23 F (-5 C) and light coastal exposure. Low-phosphorus native fertilizer suits it, and high-phosphorus feeds can damage the roots. Light pruning after flowering keeps the shrub bushy and can extend its lifespan.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering maintains a compact, bushy shape and removes spent flower heads. Tip pruning of young plants encourages denser growth. Hard pruning into bare old wood is tolerated poorly.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons