Phebalium squamulosum
scaly phebalium
Overview
Phebalium squamulosum is an evergreen shrub, sometimes a small tree, reaching 3-13 feet (1-4 m) tall and 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) wide, with an upright to rounded form. The narrow leaves are 0.4-2 inches (1-5 cm) long, dark green and smooth above, and covered beneath with silvery to rusty-brown scales. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. Clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across open at the branch tips in late winter and spring. The flower buds are coated in rusty scales before opening. It grows in well-drained sandy and rocky soils in open forest and heath. The plant is short-lived in heavy, poorly drained soils.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It grows in open forest, woodland, heath, and rocky outcrops on well-drained sandy and stony soils, from near sea level to mountain elevations.Suggested Uses
Planted in native gardens, mixed shrub borders, and rockeries at 3-6.6 feet (0.9-2 m) spacing. The yellow spring flowers and aromatic foliage suit informal screens and wildlife plantings. It is not suited to heavy or poorly drained soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 13'1"
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
It grows in full sun to light shade in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Water through the first season to establish; mature plants tolerate dry periods. It tolerates frost to about 23°F (-5°C) depending on the form. Root rot develops in soils that stay wet, which shortens the plant's life. Few other pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
Tip-prune after flowering to keep a dense, compact habit. The plant tolerates light pruning but reshoots slowly from bare old wood. Removing spent flower clusters keeps the form neat.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons