Pomaderris apetala
tainui
South-eastern Australia and New Zealand
Overview
Pomaderris apetala is a fast-growing evergreen shrub to small tree in the family Rhamnaceae, reaching 10-20 feet (3-6 m) tall and 6.6-13 feet (2-4 m) wide. The branchlets and leaf undersides are covered in rust-coloured to grey hairs. The alternate leaves are ovate to oblong, 1.2-3.9 inch (3-10 cm) long, dark green and wrinkled above with a paler, hairy underside and prominent veins. In spring the plant carries large branched clusters of many small flowers, each about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across, greenish-yellow and lacking petals, which gives the species its epithet apetala. Tiny capsules follow and release small seed. Pomaderris apetala grows in moist forest, gully margins, and along streams in cool-temperate areas and acts as a fast pioneer on disturbed ground. It is comparatively short-lived and can become leggy with age, and it is sensitive to extended drought. The soft, wrinkled foliage and pale flower clusters give it a soft-textured, upright form.
Native Range
Pomaderris apetala is native to south-eastern Australia, including Victoria, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales, and also occurs in New Zealand. It grows in cool, moist forest, along gullies and streams, and on disturbed ground as an early coloniser.Suggested Uses
Used for quick screening, shelter, and revegetation in cool, moist gardens and bushland restoration. The fast growth and dense young habit suit windbreaks and gap-filling among slower, longer-lived plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6'7" - 13'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, mainly September to November in its native range. The flowers are tiny, greenish-yellow, and petal-less, massed in branched terminal clusters that draw small insects. Dry capsules follow and shed seed through early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green above, paler hairy beneathGrowing 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
Grow Pomaderris apetala in part shade to full sun on moist, free-draining soil with steady moisture. It establishes quickly and grows fast, making it useful for rapid cover, but it is shorter-lived than many shrubs and can open out with age. Water through dry spells, as the species is sensitive to prolonged drought. It tolerates light to moderate frost once established. A position sheltered from strong, hot wind reduces leaf scorch on the soft foliage. Light feeding in spring supports steady growth on poorer soils.Pruning
Tip prune after flowering to keep the shrub bushy and slow the tendency to become leggy. Older plants can be cut back harder into younger wood, from which they usually reshoot. Dead or storm-damaged growth can be removed in late winter.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring