Phebalium are native to Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, two species are popular, Phebalium squamulosum and the narrow leafed Phebalium stenophyllum which has masses of attractive yellow flowers in spring. P. stenophyllum will reach around 1.5m in height and is found through the Mallee and other areas of Western Victoria as well as New south Wales.
P. squamulosum ssp. argentium is from forested areas and is more shade tolerant than other species, flowers tend to white and perhaps not as prolific as others.
With such a wide spread habitat species will vary greatly in size, some are shrubs others are small trees.
Phebalium-nottii (pictured right) has pink star like flowers and aromatic foliage, and is found in NSW and QLD. Grafted plants may be best for this species.
P.squamulosum or ‘Forest phebalium’ is a yellow flowering species (and perhaps is the easiest to obtain) as is P. stenophyllum and P. woombye or Wallum phebalium has white flowers.
Some species are endangered with P. daviesii being one, reduced to less than 50 plants it is now being actively conserved by the Botanical Gardens in Tasmania. P. woombye comes as a prostrate form and makes an excellent ground cover plant.
Landscaping Uses
Depending on species Phebalium can be used as hedging plants with P.squamulosum worth considering for this use. You would need to lightly prune on a regular basis to maintain a neat semi formal look.