Euryomyrtus ramosissima
rosy heath-myrtle
Overview
Euryomyrtus ramosissima is an evergreen shrub with a prostrate to low spreading habit, reaching 0.1-0.6 m (4-24 in) tall and spreading 0.5-1.5 m (1.5-5 ft) wide, with many slender branches; the epithet ramosissima means much-branched. The leaves are small, narrow to oblong, 2-8 mm (0.1-0.3 in) long, crowded along the stems and dotted with aromatic oil glands. Five-petalled flowers 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 in) across open singly in the leaf axils, white through pink to rosy red, with a ring of short stamens. Flowering occurs from late winter through spring, with scattered flowers at other times. The fruit is a small woody capsule. Growth is moderate, and plants form a dense low mound or mat within 2-3 years. Formerly classified as Baeckea ramosissima, the species grows in heath and dry sclerophyll woodland on sandy and rocky soils. It tolerates light frost and dry periods once established but declines in heavy, poorly drained soils.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, in heath, mallee, and dry sclerophyll woodland on sandy and rocky soils from the coast to inland ranges.Suggested Uses
Grown as a low groundcover, in rockeries, and for embankment planting, spaced 0.6-1 m (2-3 ft) apart. The low forms spill over walls and grow in containers of at least 20-25 cm (8-10 in). The aromatic foliage is used in native plantings near paths.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly from late winter to late spring, August to November in southern Australia, with a lighter scattering of flowers in summer and autumn. Individual flowers last several days, and the main display extends 6-8 weeks. Flowering is heaviest in open, sunny positions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to rosy pinkFoliage 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
Grow in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Water through the first growing season; established plants tolerate dry spells but flower less in prolonged drought. The species withstands light frost to about -5 C (23 F). Poorly drained or heavy clay soils promote root rot and shorten plant life. A light trim after flowering keeps the habit dense. Plants are generally long-lived in suitable open sites.Pruning
Trim lightly after the main flowering flush, removing up to one third of recent growth to maintain a compact mound. The plant regenerates from semi-hard wood but is slow to reshoot from bare old stems. Spent capsules need no removal.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons