Plant Profile and Growing Hints
The white flowering Kunzea ambigua is a large evergreen shrub to around 3m in height, with masses of white flowers from spring through summer. Related to Callistemon and with similar flowers this species is also known as the ‘Tick Bush’ and ‘Poverty Bush’.
Some lower growing cultivars are available that will reach around 2m and with a little pruning stay even smaller. A prostrate form that reaches around 30 – 50 cm is also available.
As a landscaping plant this is tough character that require little attention once established. The lower growing forms are good open ground cover plant , and all work well in rock gardens or the native border. Kunzea ambigua is also used to produce essential oils which are distilled from the new growth. S0 why ‘Tick Bush’ /It is the oils released from the plants that are said to repel ticks.
Care
Kunzea ambigua prefers a well drained soil and full sun. New plants should receive a little extra water and some protection from full sun through the first summer, drought tolerant once established Propagation is best from semi hardwood cuttings. Tip prune after flowering to promote a more bushy and compact habit.
You may also be interested in
- Australian Native Plants
- Bird Attracting Plants
- Bush Tucker Plants
- Callistemon
- Drought Tolerant Plants
- Kunzea species
- Kunzea ericoides
- Kunzea parviolia
- Kunzea ambigua
Kunzea ambigua and species are available for sale from the following nurseries
146 Dignams Crk Rd via Narooma NSW 2546
Tubestock - [50mm forestry tubes and 70mm supertubes] specializing in Bush Tucker Plants , Natives indigenous to the NSW South Coast , Permaculture Plants - Fruits, Nuts & Berries .
www.southcoastflora.com.au