© John Tann from Sydney, Australia, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Crowea spp.
crowea
Overview
Crowea spp. is a small genus of three evergreen shrubs in the citrus family, endemic to eastern and south-western Australia. The species — C. exalata, C. saligna, and C. angustifolia — form compact, twiggy bushes 12-60 inches (30-150 cm) tall with narrow, smooth-edged leaves dotted with oil glands that are aromatic when crushed. The flowers are star-shaped with five spreading petals in pink to deep rose, occasionally white, and measure 0.6-1.2 inches (15-30 mm) across. Bloom is concentrated in autumn, but scattered flowers appear over much of the year. The genus grows in heath, dry sclerophyll woodland, and rocky slopes on sandy, acidic, free-draining soils. In cultivation, these shrubs are grown for their long flowering season and neat habit, and they take light clipping into rounded forms. They need sharp drainage and dislike heavy, wet, or limey soils, where root rot is a frequent cause of failure. Most species tolerate light frost once established but are damaged by hard freezes. Plants are moderately drought-tolerant after the first year, though flowering is heavier with occasional summer moisture.
Native Range
Crowea spp. is endemic to Australia, with C. saligna and C. exalata in eastern New South Wales and Victoria and C. angustifolia in south-western Western Australia. The genus grows in heath, dry sclerophyll woodland, and on rocky sandstone or granite slopes.Suggested Uses
Crowea spp. is grown in Australian gardens as a low foreground shrub, in rockeries, and in containers for its autumn flowers. It suits native and water-wise plantings on sandy, free-draining soils. The aromatic foliage and long bloom also make it a cut-flower subject.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering peaks in autumn, broadly March to June in the southern hemisphere, with scattered flowers through other seasons. Individual blooms last well on the plant, giving a long display from a succession of buds. Some plants in cultivation carry a few flowers nearly year-round in mild conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to rose, occasionally whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing 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
Crowea spp. grows in full sun to part shade in light, sandy, acidic soils with sharp drainage. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant, though flowering improves with occasional deep watering through dry summers. The genus is intolerant of heavy clay, alkaline ground, and wet feet, all of which encourage root rot. A position with morning sun and shelter from the hottest afternoon exposure suits the eastern species in warm inland gardens. Light tip pruning after the main flush keeps plants bushy and prolongs the life of the shrub. Low-phosphorus fertilizer suits these Australian natives, which are sensitive to phosphate excess.Pruning
Light tip pruning after the autumn flush keeps Crowea spp. compact and encourages branching. Plants respond well to regular shaping but resent hard cutting into bare old wood. Removing about a third of the new growth each year maintains a dense, rounded shrub.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons