Gynatrix spp.

hemp bush

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Gynatrix spp. is a small genus of two species of evergreen shrubs in the mallow family (Malvaceae), endemic to south-eastern Australia, of which G. pulchella, the hemp bush, is the more widespread. Plants form upright, multi-stemmed shrubs 6–15 ft (1.8–4.5 m) tall and 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m) wide, with soft, hairy stems and toothed, heart-shaped leaves 1–3 in (2.5–8 cm) long that are rough above and paler and felted beneath. The shrubs are dioecious, carrying small cream to greenish-white flowers about 0.2 in (5 mm) across in branched clusters on separate male and female plants from late winter into spring. The flowers are scented and draw bees and other insects. Small dry segmented fruits follow on female plants. The species grows along creeks, gullies, and damp forest margins, often as a quick pioneer after fire or flood. The bark yields a strong fibre once used for cordage, the source of the name hemp bush. Plants are fast-growing but relatively short-lived.

Native Range

Endemic to south-eastern Australia, in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia, growing along creek banks, in gullies, and on damp forest margins, often appearing quickly after fire or flooding.

Suggested Uses

Grown in native and habitat gardens, along watercourses, and in revegetation and erosion control, where its quick growth gives fast cover and screening. The scented late-winter flowers support early-season pollinators. It suits informal screens and the back of native shrub borders.

How to Identify

Recognised by soft, hairy, heart-shaped and toothed leaves that are rough above and felted beneath, on an upright, fast-growing shrub. Branched clusters of small cream flowers on separate male and female plants, and a fibrous, strippable bark, help confirm the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 15'

Width/Spread5' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering occurs from late winter into spring, around August to October in the native range, with small cream to greenish flowers in branched clusters. Male and female flowers form on separate plants, and only female plants set fruit. The scented flowers draw bees and other pollinating insects.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Cream to greenish-white

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun to part shade in moist, free-draining soils, tolerating clay and seasonally damp ground that reflects their creekside origins. Regular moisture supports fast growth, though established plants cope with short dry spells. The species is hardy to moderate frost in temperate gardens. As a quick pioneer it establishes fast and can be cut back hard to renew its soft growth. Plants are short-lived, often lasting 5–10 years, but grow readily from seed and cuttings. A male and a female plant are needed for seed set.

Pruning

Plants respond well to hard pruning and can be cut back close to the base to renew leggy or frost-damaged growth. A trim after flowering keeps the soft, open shrub denser. The quick regrowth makes it forgiving of heavy cutting.