Phebalium spp.

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Phebalium spp. is a genus of about 50 evergreen shrubs in the citrus family, Rutaceae, native to Australia and reaching small tree size in a few species. Plants are typically rounded to upright shrubs 1.5-13 feet (0.5-4 m) tall, with small, leathery leaves that are dotted with oil glands and aromatic when crushed, and young growth often covered in tiny silvery or rusty scales. From late winter into spring the branch tips carry clusters of small, five-petalled, star-shaped flowers in yellow, white, or pink, sometimes covering the shrub. The petals and flower stalks frequently bear the same scaly covering as the new growth. The genus grows in heath, dry forest, rocky outcrops, and woodland on well-drained sandy or stony soils across southern and eastern Australia. Most species prefer full sun to light shade and sharp drainage and tolerate dry periods once established. Phebalium spp. is grown in native gardens for its spring flowers and aromatic foliage, though it can be short-lived and is intolerant of wet, poorly drained soil. Some species are restricted to small areas and are of conservation concern. The oil-dotted leaves release a scent when bruised.

Native Range

Phebalium spp. is native to Australia, ranging across the southern and eastern states from coastal heath to inland ranges. Plants grow in heath, dry sclerophyll forest, rocky outcrops, and woodland on sandy or stony, well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Phebalium spp. is grown in native and dryland gardens, rockeries, and shrub borders for its spring flowers and aromatic foliage. Lower species suit rock gardens and containers, while larger ones are used as informal screens.

How to Identify

Look for evergreen shrubs with small, leathery, oil-dotted leaves that are aromatic when crushed and young shoots coated in silvery or rusty scales. Clusters of small five-petalled, star-shaped yellow, white, or pink flowers open at the branch tips from late winter. The scaly new growth and star flowers mark the genus within the citrus family.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 13'

Width/Spread1'6" - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering runs from late winter into spring, with clusters of small star-shaped flowers in yellow, white, or pink at the branch tips. In many species the bloom is dense enough to cover the foliage. Bees and other insects visit the open flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, white, or pink

Foliage Description

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 Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Phebalium spp. grows in full sun to light shade on sandy or stony, sharply drained soil and tolerates dry periods once established. The genus needs good drainage and is intolerant of wet, heavy soils, where the roots rot. Plants suit warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and can be short-lived in cultivation. Light, regular tip pruning keeps them compact and prolongs their life. Few pests trouble the aromatic foliage. Most species need little water and no phosphorus-rich feeding.

Pruning

Tip prune lightly after flowering to keep plants bushy and compact. Cutting back into bare old wood is avoided, since many species are slow to reshoot from it. Regular light trimming extends the useful life of the shrub.