Crowea exalata - Crowea
The star in the garden right now is the Crowea! While our favourites of spring and summer have faded, this little beauty is steeling the show!
One in a small genus of only three species, Crowea exalata is of the Rutaceae family and very closely related to Eriostemon. Boronia is another relative. C. exalata and Crowea saligna, the other showy species in the genera, are the parents of some very attractive cultivars including prostrate or low growing forms, fine-leaved and white or larger flowered forms.
The name Crowea is derived from the 18th and 19th century surgeon and botanist, James Crowe, and exalata meaning without wings, refers to the ridgeless stems - not a definitive characteristic.
Crowea exalata performs very well in northern Tasmania, providing year-round interest in the garden. It bears a profusion of pale to deep pink, star-shaped flowers for most of the year, while it’s fresh aromatic foliage consists of narrow, leathery but smooth leaves.
Growing to a height of up to 70cm & spreading up to a meter, this dainty, evergreen rounded shrub is a must for any garden.
It is endemic to Australia, occurring naturally in the southeastern states, mainly in the understory of open forests and woodlands in mountain regions.
A very tough little shurb, it is tolerant of heat, drought and frost once established. It prefers cool conditions and grows particularly well in light dappled shade. However, it’s able to withstand full sun and periods of drought with reasonable moisture levels, good drainage and adequate organic mulch to reduce soil temperature. In fire situations, it resists burning, but recovers well if it is burnt.
This hardy, very decorative native has many uses in the garden. Include it in your cottage garden under a copse of silver birch, or in your waterwise garden, alongside other drought tolerant native and exotic favourites, such as Brachyscome.
Perfect for pots - use them either side of a path, enticing visitors to venture forth and discover what lies at the other end. What about dotted through a rockery, lined up along a border or planted en masse under an avenue or copse of small gum trees?
An outstanding cut flower, it has a very long vase life. This plant is easy to propagate. Using the current season’s growth, cuttings strike readily in about six to eight weeks.
This easy care small shrub maintains its compact form with occasional light pruning, especially at winter’s end.
Cultivars of the species include:
‘ Australflora Green Cape’ - almost prostrate.
‘Bindalong Compact’ - low shrub to 50cm.
‘Festival’ - a hybrid with C. saligna.
‘Candy Stars’ - a dainty compact form, with fine foliage.
Note that some cultivars aren’t as tolerant of frosts as their parent.
Crowea exalata is readily available in local nurseries and a very worthy addition to your garden!
