A medium sized shrub, Phebalium woombye reaching around 2 metres in height comes in three forms, a pink flowering variety and a white form. The third form is a prostrate form with larger flowers than most.
Natural distribution is along the coastal area from Southern Queensland to Northern New South Wales. More common in Queensland.
The flowers are small but do appear in clusters, star shaped 5 petals and with yellow stamens. The foliage is a deep green, oblong in shape and aromatic when brushed against or rubbed.
How to grow Phebalium woombye – Basic Care
This is a plant that is at its best in part shade, or light dappled shade. It does require a well drained soil and will benefit from a little mulch that will retain some moisture as well as a cool root run.
Care Summary
- Plant in light shade
- Well drained soil is essential.
- Water regularly until established
- Mulch around the plant tom maintain a cool root run and suppress weeds.
- Use a low phosphate native plant fertiliser in spring.
This is a plant that grows naturally in the coastal foothills form northern NSW in Queensland, however it is adaptable and will grow well as far south as Melbourne.
Propagation is usually from cuttings of the new seasons growth. Also possible form seed however germination rates are poor.
Landscaping and Garden Uses
This is plant that is drought tolerant once established and will also tolerate light to medium frosts.
It works well in coastal gardens with sandy soils and in cottage style native gardens, rock gardens and native gardens.
The prostate form mage a useful ground cover, it is not a fast spreading plant so stays in place.
The taller forms make good small shrubs all form flower from mid winter into spring depending on location and climate.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Phebalium woombye
- Family – Rutaceae
- Common Name – Wallum Phebalium or Woombye Bush
- Position – Best in light shade or afternoon shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To around 2 metres.
- Spread – To around 1.5 metres.
- Flowers – Pink or White depending on form.
- Flowering Time – Winter to spring.
- Foliage – Deep Green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes, moderate frosts.
- Drought tolerant – Medium.
What’s in a Name
- Phebalium from phebalios, a Greek term for a fig. See Other Phebalium Species
- Woombye is derived from ‘wambai’ referring to black myrtle. Woombye is also a small town in Queensland, in the native area for the plant.