Goodenia, Genus, heterophylla, Species,
- Genus & species
variable-leaved goodenia
eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria)
Overview
Goodenia heterophylla is a low perennial herb in the family Goodeniaceae, growing 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall and spreading 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide. Stems trail along the ground and turn up at the tips. As the species name suggests, the leaves vary in shape on a single plant, from narrow and entire to toothed or lobed, and measure 0.5–2 inches (1.5–5 cm) long. Flowers are yellow and fan-shaped, with five lobes spread to one side, about 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) across, carried on upright stalks above the foliage. Flowering occurs mainly through spring and summer. The plant grows in open eucalypt forest and heath on sandy soils in eastern Australia. It tolerates drought once established and short dry periods, though it is short-lived and may need replacing after a few years. Foliage is evergreen in frost-free climates. As a groundcover it forms a loose spreading patch rather than a tight mat, and it can self-seed into surrounding beds.
Native Range
Goodenia heterophylla is native to eastern Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It grows in open eucalypt forest, woodland, and coastal heath, usually on sandy soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover in native, rockery, and low-water gardens on sandy soils. Planted along path edges and in containers where the trailing stems spread over the surface. Used in revegetation of open woodland and coastal sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly through spring and summer, roughly September to February in the native range. The flowers are yellow and fan-shaped, opening in succession on upright stalks. Some flowering can continue into autumn in mild conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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 Goodenia heterophylla in full sun to part shade in light, well-drained sandy or loamy soil. It tolerates drought once established and grows in soils low in nutrients. Water occasionally through dry spells to extend flowering. The plant is short-lived, often persisting only a few years, though it self-seeds to maintain a patch. It withstands light frost but is damaged by hard frost. Soil pH from 5.5 to 7.0 suits it.Pruning
Trim Goodenia heterophylla lightly after the main flush of flowering to bring on fresh growth and more flowers. Remove old straggly stems to keep the patch compact. No structural pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
summerfall
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
