Lomatia ilicifolia
holly lomatia
Overview
Lomatia ilicifolia is an erect shrub in the family Proteaceae, reaching 3-6.5 feet (1-2 m) tall and 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) wide, occasionally to 10 feet (3 m). Stems are sparsely branched and woody at the base. Leaves are stiff and leathery, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide, with coarsely toothed, spine-tipped margins resembling those of holly. Foliage is dark green above and paler beneath, held on short petioles. Cream to pale yellow flowers appear in branched racemes 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long during summer; each flower has four recurved tepals and a slender style. The flowers carry a sweet scent. Fruit is a woody follicle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long that splits along one side to release flat, winged seeds. The species grows in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland on sandstone-derived soils, where it regenerates from a woody rootstock after fire. Growth is slow, and plants withstand extended dry periods once established. In cultivation it requires sharply drained soil and full sun to part shade; it is sensitive to phosphorus and root disturbance, which limits its use in fertilised garden beds. Flowering can be sparse in shaded positions.
Native Range
Lomatia ilicifolia occurs in eastern Australia, from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heathland on sandstone soils, from coastal areas to the lower tablelands.Suggested Uses
Planted in native and low-phosphorus gardens, woodland borders, and informal screens. Suited to sandstone-based soils and slopes with sharp drainage. Combines with other Proteaceae in water-conserving plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, from November to February in its native range. Cream to pale yellow flowers are carried in racemes 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long and release a sweet scent. Flowering is reduced in shaded positions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale yellowFoliage 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