The Mouse and Honey Plant
Rarely seen in gardens, a low growing dense shrub Homoranthus papillatus will reach around 1 – 1.5 metres in height and has an interesting horizontal spreading habit.
The common name of Mouse and Honey Plant or ‘Mouse Bush’ comes from the nectar rich flowers that appear in spring.
This is a plant that could well be used as a ‘plant me instead’ for low growing conifers. It has a wonderful spreading habit that adds sculptural look to the garden.
It natural habitat is inland on the Queensland–New South Wales border, so think Darling Downs and you will get the idea of the sort of conditions it grows in.
It grows on rocky ground and in full sun. The foliage has a nice fragrance and when in flower they have a fragrance as well, some say it is sweet, others find it most unattractive, however they do attract bees to the garden. Its natural range is limited and is said to be under threat in the natural environment.
How To Grow Homoranthus papillatus – Basic Care
This is a plant that requires very good drainage and full sun to grow well. Some good examples can be found in specialist native gardens in Melbourne.
- A position in. full sun is best, it will grow in light shade however the growth will not be as dense, and flowers will be less prolific.
- A well drained soil is essential.
- Extra fertiliser is not generally required.
- Mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and retain some moisture.
Pruning
Other than the removal of any dead or damaged wood pruning is not generally required. Foliage can be pruned around the lower edges to lift the plant a little above ground level if desired..
It is not widely offered for sale.
Garden Uses
- Use Homeranthus papillatus as a low growing spreading ground cover plant. It has a naturally attractive arching growth habit and the dense growth provides habitat for small birds.
- The flower that appear spring to summer attract both native bees and honey bees to the garden as well as other pollinators.
- This a suitable ‘plant me instead’ type plant for use as a replacemeny for low growing conifers.
Companion Plants:
Give the plant enough foom to spread naturally without overcrowding by other plants. This will allow that natural sculptural look to be emphasised.
Suited to growing with other Australian natives such as Correas, Westringias, Leptospermums, and small Banksias. Use grey or silver-foliaged species in the background for an interesting contrast
Summary Information.
- Botanical Name – Homoranthus papillatus
- Family – Myrtaceae
- Common Name – Mouse and Honey Plant
- Origins – Endemic to southern Queensland; Mount Norman, Girraween National Park
- Climate Zones – Thrives in temperate to subtropical climates
- Position – Full sun
- Soil – Humus rich to sandy, well drained, with some moisture.
- Height – From 1 – 1.5 metres
- Spread – To around 1.5 metres.
- Flowers – Yellow
- Flowering time – Spring
- Flower Fragrance – Foliage and flowers emit a distinct “mousey” odour.
- Foliage – Grey-green, linear, opposite, with warty (papillate) textureMid green
- Drought tolerant – Medium once established
- Frost tolerant – Yes – Hardy; tolerates frosty and cold conditions
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