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Persoonia spp.

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Persoonia spp. is a genus of around 100 shrubs and small trees in the family Proteaceae, known as geebungs and native almost entirely to Australia. Plants range from low, sprawling shrubs to small trees 3-20 feet (1-6 m) tall, with smooth or flaky bark and alternate, often leathery leaves that vary from needle-like to broad depending on species. The flowers are small, tubular, and usually yellow, with four narrow segments that curl back to release the stamens, borne singly or in short leafy clusters mostly through summer. Each flower is followed by a fleshy green to purple drupe with a hard stone, eaten and dispersed by birds and mammals. The genus occupies heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and woodland on sandy, low-nutrient soils across much of Australia. Like many Proteaceae, geebungs associate with soil fungi and are adapted to nutrient-poor ground and periodic fire, with some species regenerating from a woody base after burning. The genus is slow and difficult to propagate, since the hard-stoned fruit germinates erratically, which has limited its use in cultivation. Plants need sharp drainage and low-phosphorus conditions and decline in rich or fertilized soil.

Native Range

Persoonia spp. is native almost entirely to Australia, with species in every mainland state and a single species extending to New Zealand. Plants grow in heathland, dry forest, and woodland on sandy, nutrient-poor soils.

Suggested Uses

Persoonia spp. is grown in Australian native gardens, heath plantings, and low-phosphorus sandy beds, where the yellow summer flowers and edible fruit draw wildlife. The shrubby species suit informal screens and habitat plantings on poor soils.

How to Identify

Look for shrubs or small trees with leathery leaves ranging from needle-like to broad, and small tubular yellow flowers whose four segments curl back from the center. The flowers give way to fleshy green to purple fruits with a single hard stone. Smooth or flaky bark and the four-parted yellow flowers mark the geebungs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 20'

Width/Spread3' - 13'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs mostly through summer, though timing varies across the genus and some species flower in spring or autumn. The small tubular yellow flowers open over several weeks and draw native bees. Fleshy drupes follow and ripen from green to yellow or purple.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-12 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 Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Persoonia spp. grows in full sun to light shade on sandy, sharply drained, low-nutrient soil and tolerates heat and drought once established. The genus is sensitive to phosphorus, like many Proteaceae, and declines in rich or fertilized ground. Plants need sharp drainage and resist transplanting, so they are placed young and left undisturbed. Propagation is slow and unreliable because the stony fruit germinates erratically. Few pests trouble established plants in suitable conditions. Some species resprout from a woody base after fire, while others rely on seed.

Pruning

Light tip pruning after flowering keeps shrubby species dense, while tree forms need little shaping. Plants resprouting from a woody base tolerate harder cutting back. Heavy pruning into old bare wood can kill species that do not resprout.