An Australian native plant that is suited to shade and yet still has good flowers Bauera rubioides is just one of the genus that grow naturally in cooler positions, mainly along the east coast from Tasmania to southern Queensland.
Bauera rubioides is commonly called the River Rose, or River Dog Rose, the genus itself is variable in growth habit, generally reaching between .5 and 1.5m in height.
Although this is one of the more commonly found of this species, it is still not widely available, you will need to look in a specialist nursery for this one.
How to Grow Bauera rubioides and Other Species
This is a varied genus however growing conditions are similar. They are very useful for providing a flowering plant that will grow in moist soils in shade.
In the garden they are best planted where they receive good moisture however with good drainage as well. A fertile soil similar to that found in rain forest areas and a position in dappled shade, or morning sun and then dappled shade.
Pruning can be carried out if needed directly after flowering, always leaving good foliage growth below the cut.
Varieties
Bauera is a genus of only three species. All are small shrubs found in forests all along the Eastern Coastline of New South Wales and Southern Queensland and across Victoria.
- Bauera ruboides is probably the best known, like all species, Bauera ruboides requires a damp position and part shade, the white flowering plant
- B. ruboides alba is referred to as the ‘White Dog Rose’.
- B. rubiodes var. microphylla has small leaves as its name suggests.
- Bauera capitata which is a lower growing species.
- Bauera sessiliflora is an upright form found in the Grampians in Victoria, also worth looking
Propagation.
- Cuttings can be taken from mid spring through too late summer. A medium of vermiculate and washed river sand is suitable.
- You can also collect seeds, germination takes around 3 – 4 weeks if seed is fresh.