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Tetratheca thymifolia
thyme pink-bells
Overview
Tetratheca thymifolia is an evergreen shrub reaching 8-32 inches (20-80 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, with a rounded, bushy form and slender wiry stems. The small leaves are 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, narrow to oval, often in whorls along the stems, with rolled margins and a thyme-like look. Nodding flowers hang from slender stalks, each with four pink to purple petals 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across that open into a bell or splay flat, with a dark central column of stamens. Flowering runs from late winter through summer, mainly August to January, with scattered flowers at other times. The flowers are followed by small flattened capsules. Plants form a low mound that sits at the front of plantings. The species grows in heath, woodland, and open forest on sandy or rocky, well-drained soils, mainly along the eastern ranges and coast. It is short-lived on heavy or wet ground.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in New South Wales and southern Queensland. Grows in heath, dry woodland, and open forest on sandy or rocky, well-drained soils, mainly in the ranges and coastal districts.Suggested Uses
Used in native and low-water gardens, rockeries, containers, and the front of borders, spaced 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) apart. Suits informal plantings where the pink flowers appear over a long season. Its short life span suits naturalistic rather than permanent schemes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to purple with dark centreFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade on sandy or rocky, well-drained soils. Established plants tolerate dry spells and light frost but are short-lived on heavy or poorly drained ground. Occasional watering through the first summer aids establishment, after which little is needed. A mulch of leaf litter suits its surface roots. It is propagated mainly from cuttings, as seed can be slow. Few pests trouble it in cultivation.Pruning
Light pruning after the main flush keeps the shrub compact and can extend its short life. Tip pruning of young plants encourages a denser mound. Hard pruning into bare wood gives little regrowth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons