Lomatia spp.
lomatia
Eastern and southern Australia and the temperate Andes
Overview
Lomatia spp. is a genus of about 12 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the protea family, Proteaceae, native to eastern and southern Australia and to the temperate Andes of Chile and Argentina. Plants range from low shrubs 3 feet (90 cm) tall to small trees 30 feet (9 m) high, with leathery leaves that are entire, toothed, or deeply divided and fern-like depending on species. In late spring and summer, slender clusters of small, spider-like flowers open, each with four narrow segments that curl back, in cream, white, or greenish tones, sometimes followed by woody, beaked seed pods that split to release winged seeds. The genus grows in well-drained, low-phosphorus, acidic soils in cool, moist forests, woodland, and streamsides, in full sun to part shade. Like other Proteaceae, it is sensitive to high-phosphorus fertilizers and to poor drainage. Some species, such as L. tasmanica, are very rare in the wild. Plants are slow-growing and tolerate light frost once established.
Native Range
Lomatia spp. species are native to two widely separated regions: eastern and southern Australia, including Tasmania, and the temperate Andes of Chile and Argentina, where they grow in cool, moist forests, woodland, scrub, and along streams.Suggested Uses
Grown as evergreen shrubs and small trees in native, woodland, and cool-climate gardens, and used in screening, shrub borders, and habitat plantings on acidic soils. The cut flowers and foliage are used in floristry, and the fern-leaved species are grown as foliage features.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 15'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring and summer, generally November to February in the native Southern Hemisphere range. Clusters of small, spider-like cream to white flowers open over several weeks. Woody, beaked seed pods follow and ripen through autumn, splitting to shed winged seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to greenish-whiteFoliage Description
Dark 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
Lomatia spp. grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained, acidic, low-phosphorus soils with cool, even moisture. Like other Proteaceae, it is sensitive to high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the roots, and to waterlogged ground. A mulched, free-draining position with steady moisture suits it, while heavy, wet, or limey soils cause decline. Most species tolerate light frost once established but resent prolonged drought and heat. Growth is slow, and plants can be difficult to propagate from seed and cuttings. Good air movement reduces fungal leaf and root problems.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering shapes the plant and keeps it bushy. Only moderate amounts are removed, as Proteaceae respond poorly to hard cutting into bare old wood. Dead or damaged stems are cleared as needed.Pruning Schedule
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons