Lasiopetalum ferrugineum
rusty petals
Overview
Lasiopetalum ferrugineum is an evergreen shrub 2-6 feet (0.6-2 m) tall and 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m) wide, with a spreading habit and young stems coated in rusty star-shaped hairs. The leaves are oblong to narrow, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, dark green above and densely covered beneath with rust-coloured hairs, with margins that roll under. The common name refers to this rusty coating. Small flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across hang in branched clusters from winter into spring; the petals are reduced and the visible parts are the star-shaped calyx lobes, white to pale pink and backed by rusty hairs. L. ferrugineum grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone-derived soils in eastern Australia. It tolerates part shade and dry, low-nutrient ground once established. Sharp drainage is needed, and the shrub grows poorly in heavy, wet soils. The form is open, and plants become woody with age.
Native Range
Lasiopetalum ferrugineum is native to eastern Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone-derived soils.Suggested Uses
L. ferrugineum is grown in native, woodland, and rockery gardens on well-drained sites, including part-shaded positions, spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) apart. It also suits informal mixed plantings with other sandstone-flora shrubs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
dark green above, rust-brown beneathGrowing 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
L. ferrugineum grows in full sun to part shade in sharply drained sandy or gravelly 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 lead to root rot. Light frost is tolerated in USDA zones 9-10. The shrub keeps a denser form with light pruning.Pruning
Light tip-pruning after flowering keeps the shrub compact and slows the open, woody habit. L. ferrugineum responds to pruning of soft wood but not to hard cuts into bare stems. Removing spent flower clusters maintains a neater form.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons