The Willow Myrtle
Agonis flexuosa, commonly known as the Willow Myrtle, is a versatile Australian native tree from Western Australia. It is widely used as a landscaping tree and, with a range of new cultivars and improved forms now available, it is well worth considering for gardens and public plantings.
The species is available in a number of varieties with different growth habits and foliage colours, ranging from tall weeping trees to compact shrubs suited to hedging and containers.
Popular varieties include Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ (a dwarf form), ‘After Dark’, ‘Burgundy’ and ‘Variegata’.
Plant Profile and Growing Hints
Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle) is the tallest growing of the species, while many of the cultivated forms grow more as shrubs.
- Produces small white flowers in spring.
- Foliage has a pleasant peppermint scent when crushed.
- Tolerates poor soils and is reasonably drought tolerant once established.
The taller growing forms can reach around 10 m, making them suitable for street trees, parkland plantings and larger gardens.
How to Grow Agonis flexuosa
- Light – Agonis flexuosa grows best in full sun, although it will tolerate light shade. Good sunlight helps maintain healthy growth and better foliage colour in the darker leaved cultivars.
- Soil – Plant in a well-drained soil. Agonis flexuosa will cope with poor soils, including sandy conditions, however it does not perform well in heavy or waterlogged ground.
- Watering – Water regularly while the plant is establishing. Once established it is reasonably drought tolerant, although occasional deep watering during long dry periods will keep plants looking their best.
- Fertiliser – Agonis flexuosa generally requires very little fertiliser. An application of a slow release fertiliser for Australian native plants in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over fertilising as this can lead to excessive soft growth.
Dwarf Forms
The dwarf form Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ is widely grown as a compact shrub or low hedge.
- Height: around 1–1.5 m
- Growth habit: softly weeping
- Flowers: white in spring
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Soil: well drained soil preferred
Because of its compact growth it works well in smaller gardens, borders and low hedging.
A number of attractive cultivars are now available.
Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’
A graceful weeping plant with mid-burgundy foliage, especially noticeable in the new growth. Flowers are typical of the species. It copes with poor soils as long as they are well drained, is frost tolerant, and performs well in coastal conditions.
Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’
A newer cultivar with deep burgundy foliage and a similar weeping habit. Plants will generally reach around 4 m, depending on conditions, and can also be grown successfully in large containers or pots.
Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’
Commonly called the Willow Peppermint or Dwarf Willow Myrtle, this is a small to medium weeping shrub to around 1.5 m. Foliage is green with attractive red new growth, and white flowers appear from spring to early summer.
Agonis flexuosa ‘Variegata’
Often considered one of the best and longest lived forms, this is a small variegated tree with fine pendulous foliageand attractive cream and green colouring.
Agonis flexuosa ssp. ‘Wonil’
Another selected form grown for its compact habit and attractive foliage.
Landscaping Uses
Although somewhat underused in landscaping, Agonis flexuosa is a very versatile plant.
It can be used as:
- A feature or specimen tree
- A screen or hedge when regularly pruned
- A small weeping tree in larger gardens
- A container plant for patios and courtyards
When left unpruned it develops a soft open habit, making it suitable for underplanting with other hardy native plants.
Use as a Hedge
Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle) makes an excellent informal hedge, screen, or windbreak due to its dense, weeping habit, fast growth, and high tolerance for pruning.
It thrives in coastal conditions and sandy soils and different forms will suit different hedge heights.
Good companion plants include:
- Pimelea
- Adenanthos
- Acacia cognata
Agonis flexuosa performs best in full sun and generally requires little ongoing care once established.
Common Problems
Leaves turning brown and dying back can be caused by several issues.
Possible causes include:
- Too much water
- Insect pests such as mites or scale
- Soil that is too alkaline
In most cases, the problem is insect infestation.
Treatment
Check the foliage carefully for insects.
- Mites are extremely small and may require a magnifying glass to see. The underside of leaves may show fine webbing and tiny pale eggs.
- Scale insects can lead to sooty mould, usually seen on the underside of leaves.
Treatment usually involves spraying with:
- Horticultural oil (white oil)
- Horticultural soap such as Natrasoap
Apply sprays on a cool day, making sure to spray the underside of the leaves, where the insects are usually found.
Your local nursery can recommend suitable products and how to apply them.
Agonis flexuosa are available for sale form the following nurseries
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au