Description

Family Myrtaceae
Originating from Southern Europe.

• Beautiful tan barked upright branches bear dark green glossy, aromatic leaves, forming a medium-height compact shrub.
• Profuse white, scented, apple blossom-like flowers are followed by edible black berries.
• Hardy in coastal and southern gardens, easy to grow in any soil in full sun.

Masses of small, very dark, glossy evergreen leaves are borne on upright branches, forming a dense low shrub. The leaves crowd the beautifully tan coloured stems on short leaf stalks, giving rise to the shrub’s upright, rugged texture. Both the foliage and the stems are intensely aromatic, suffused with oils that are used in many different healing therapies.

The dark foliage forms a perfect foil for the profuse scented white flowers which appear over a long season from mid summer until the frosts.They are attractive in bud too, appearing as tiny deep rose pink buttons smothering the branches. As they develop through spring and early summer they fatten to a lighter pink, with the white, still unfurled petals becoming apparent. Their spicy, exotic scent is particularly strong in the evenings and the multitude of pale yellow stamens at the centre of the apple-blossom-like foliage are much loved by all pollinators. The flowers are followed by edible small plump black berries that have a grey powdery bloom.

Its many ascending branches and low spreading shape are very useful in planting compositions, taking a mid-height position amongst taller plants and offering a dark green backdrop for more brightly coloured plants, whilst providing its own spectacular display. This adaptable variety has many uses, and is receptive to trimming, so is particularly suited to creating low hedges and other structural planting in contemporary and Mediterranean gardens. Its outstanding architectural qualities are apparent when planted with Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem Pole’, shaped Pittosporum tobira and Frangula alnus ‘Fineline’, whilst its Mediterranean qualities make it a first class companion plant to Cordyline australis, Dasylirion quadrangulatum and Yucca ‘Bright Star‘.

Hardy in southern and coastal gardens, it will suffer superficial foliage damage only during harsh winters. Further north, or in frost pocket gardens, it should be planted in a sheltered position and protected with fleece in cold winters. An easy-to-grow species tolerating a wide range of soil conditions and great in pots. It is most floriferous in full sun, but is adaptable to part shade.

Height and spread after 2 – 3 years 80cm x 80cm
Mature height and spread after 5 – 6 years if not pruned 1.2m x 1.5m.