The Willow Myrtle
From Western Australia Agonis flexuosa is used widely as a landscaping tree and with new cultivars and improved forms available for sale they are well worth a look. Known as the Willow Myrtle it is available fro sale in a number of varieties with different growth habits and foliage colour.
Popular varieties include, A. flexuosa nana (a dwarf form), A. flexuosa ‘After Dark’ and A. flexuosa ‘Variegata’.
Plant Profile and Growing Hints
Agonis flexuosa (willow myrtle) is the tallest growing of the species, the other 3 are more shrub like. Small white flowers and a peppermint smell. Copes with poor soils and is reasonably drought tolerant.
Taller growing Agonis flexuosa species will reach to 10m and are well suited to street and parkland plantings. They are drought tolerant and cope well with poor soils.
The dwarf species Agonis flexuosa nana will reach 1- 1.5m and makes a great low hedge. White flowers in spring are an added attraction. Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ (Willow Peppermint) performs well in a sunny to part shaded position and needs a well drained soil..
Agonis Flexuosa Cultivars and varieties
Agonis flexuosa ‘burgandy’ with its lovely weeping habit has a mid burgundy colour most pronounced in its new growth. Flowers are typical of the species. Able to cope with poor soils as long as they are well drained, frost tolerant and excellent in coastal conditions.
Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’ is a newer release again with beautiful burgundy foliage. These two will reach around 4m ( more or less depending on conditions) and both make excellent container or pot grown plants. A variegated form is also available.
Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ is commonly the Willow Peppermint or Dwarf Willow Myrtle, and this form is a versatile attractive small to medium weeping shrub that will reach 1.5m. Foliage is a nice green with new growth an attractive red, white flowers in spring to early summer.
Agonis flexuosa variegata – We think the best and longest lived of all of the varieties, a small variegated tree with very fine pendulous foliage..
Agonis flexuosa ssp ‘Wonil’
Landscaping Uses
Underused in landscaping, Agonis flexuosa can be used as a specimen tree or planted as a hedging plant. If pruned regularly it will form a good semi formal hedge. Excellent for positions where it will receive full sun and little care.
This is a tree that when un pruned has a reasonably open habit and lends itself to under planting with other hardy native plants. Try Pimelea, Adenanthos and Acacia cognata.
Problems
Leaves turning brown and dying can be caused by a number of issues on Agonis species and cultivars.
Issues include.
- To much water.
- Insects – Mites and Scale.
- Soil to alkaline.
The most likely problem is insect infestation.
Solution
Check the foliage very careful for any sign of insects.
- The mites are very small so magnifying glass may be needed to actually see them. However the underside of the leaves become covered with a very fine web and you can often see the little clearish white eggs.
- Scale is like a fungus caused by insects. Often called ‘Sooty Mould’, usually you can see this on the underside of the foliage.
Treatment for both is spraying with a Horticultural oil, (white oil) or Horticultural soap Natrasoap, on a cool day.
Check with you local nursery for these and how to apply them. Spray from beneath the foliage as usually the insects are on the underside of the leaves.
Other chemical solutions are also available from nurseries
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