Hypocalymma, Genus, angustifolium, Species,
- Genus & species
white myrtle
Overview
Hypocalymma angustifolium is a small evergreen shrub 1.5-3 feet (0.5-1 m) tall and 2-3 feet (0.6-1 m) wide, with slender arching stems. The leaves are narrow and almost needle-like, 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long, bright green, and release a lemon scent when crushed. From late winter into spring small five-petalled flowers about 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across line the stems in pairs along the older wood, opening white and ageing to deep pink, so a plant often shows both colours at once. H. angustifolium grows in winter-wet sandy flats and heath in south-western Western Australia. The species needs sharp drainage and dislikes prolonged summer humidity, which can limit it in eastern Australian gardens. It grows poorly in heavy, wet soils. Light pruning keeps the open, arching habit dense.
Native Range
Hypocalymma angustifolium is native to south-western Western Australia, where it grows in winter-wet sandy flats, heath, and woodland.Suggested Uses
H. angustifolium is grown in native, rockery, and low-water gardens on sharply drained sites, and in containers, spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) apart. It also suits sunny mixed plantings with other Western Australian shrubs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white ageing to deep pinkFoliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 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
H. angustifolium grows in full sun to part shade in sandy, sharply drained soils. Watering through the first growing season supports establishment, after which plants tolerate dry spells. It is sensitive to high phosphorus, so a low-phosphorus or native-plant fertiliser suits it. Heavy, wet soils and prolonged summer humidity raise the risk of root and stem rot. Light frost is tolerated in USDA zones 9-10. The shrub keeps a denser form with light pruning.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering, trimming the flowered stems, keeps the shrub compact and encourages flowering wood. H. angustifolium responds to pruning of soft wood but not to hard cuts into bare stems. Tip-pruning of young plants builds a fuller shape.Pruning Schedule
Prune: October–November
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 4 gallons