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Stackhousia spp.

creamy candles

Celastraceae

Australia, with some species in New Zealand and the Pacific

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–10

Overview

Stackhousia spp. is a genus of tufted perennial herbs in the family Celastraceae, native mainly to Australia, with a few species reaching New Zealand and the Pacific. Plants rise from a woody rootstock into upright, often unbranched stems 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall, set with narrow, fleshy, alternate leaves. From spring into early summer the stems end in dense, candle-like spikes of small tubular flowers in white, cream, or yellow, each flower with five spreading lobes and a sweet scent. The genus grows in grassland, heath, open woodland, and coastal sand on a range of well-drained soils, in full sun to light shade. Many species die back to the rootstock after flowering and reshoot the following season. They tolerate poor soils and seasonal dryness but resent waterlogging. Plants suit native and wildflower gardens in mild, frost-free to light-frost climates, roughly USDA zones 9 to 10.

Native Range

Stackhousia spp. is native mainly to Australia, across most states, with some species extending to New Zealand and Pacific islands. The plants grow in grassland, heath, open woodland, and coastal dunes on sandy, loamy, or rocky well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Used in native, wildflower, and rockery plantings, on dry banks, and in containers in mild climates. Spaced 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) apart, plants form upright tufts. The fragrant spring spikes also draw native bees and butterflies.

How to Identify

Recognized by upright, often unbranched stems 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall rising from a rootstock and clothed in narrow, fleshy, alternate leaves. The stems end in dense, candle-like spikes of small tubular five-lobed flowers in white, cream, or yellow. The fragrant, candle-shaped flower spikes and fleshy narrow leaves separate the genus from grasses and similar herbs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from spring into early summer, generally September to December in the native range. Dense, candle-like spikes of small tubular flowers open from the base upward in white, cream, or yellow, carrying a sweet scent. The display lasts several weeks before plants set seed and die back.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, cream, or yellow

Foliage Description

Green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun to light shade on sandy, loamy, or rocky, well-drained soils at an acid to neutral pH from about 5.5 to 7.0. They tolerate poor, dry ground and seasonal moisture but resent heavy, wet soils and prolonged summer irrigation. Even moisture in spring supports flowering, after which many species die back to the rootstock for summer dormancy. Sharp drainage and low fertility suit them, with little or no feeding. In containers a gritty, free-draining mix is used. Hardiness suits frost-free to light-frost regions, roughly USDA zones 9 to 10.