Crowea Exalata
Crowea exalata F.Muell.
Crowea exalata is a delightful, free-flowering Australian native shrub that bears masses of star-shaped pink flowers during autumn and winter, a time when few other plants are in bloom. Hardy, compact, and easy to grow, it is one of the most rewarding native plants for Australian gardens.
Rutaceae
Late summer through to mid-winter (February to July), with the most abundant display in autumn and early winter; sporadic flowers may appear at other times of the year
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: brachyscomes and yellow bells flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Crowea exalata was first formally described by the prolific German-Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1854, and it bears the name of James Crowe, an 18th-19th century English surgeon and botanist. The specific epithet exalata comes from the Latin meaning "wingless," referring to the absence of ridges on its stems. As a member of the Rutaceae family, it is closely related to Boronia, Philotheca, and Eriostemon, a group of Australian native plants celebrated for their abundant and beautiful flowers. Crowea exalata is particularly cherished in Australian garden culture for the remarkable timing of its flowering: it blooms most prolifically during autumn and winter, exactly when most other plants have finished flowering and gardens are at their least colourful. This quality of bringing colour and cheer precisely when it is most welcome has made it a symbol of resilience, hope, and warmth in difficult times. It has been cultivated in Australian native plant gardens for well over a century and remains one of the most consistently popular and available native shrubs in nurseries across eastern Australia.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to light shade; tolerates full sun if soil is kept cool and moist; a dappled light position is ideal
Water
Consistent moisture in well-drained soil; intolerant of prolonged drought; mulch well to maintain moisture and keep roots cool; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Light, Sandy, Well-drained, Lime-free, Acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in light, lime-free, well-drained soil with some shade from hot afternoon sun
Mulch generously around the base to keep roots cool and moist and to suppress weeds
Prune after the main flowering period (late winter to early spring) to maintain a compact, bushy habit and prevent bare, leggy stems
Propagate easily from semi-hardwood cuttings of current season growth; seed germination is difficult and unreliable
The popular hybrid cultivar "Festival" (believed to be a cross between C. exalata and C. saligna) offers deeper pink flowers and is widely available in nurseries
Frost hardy and suitable for cool temperate gardens; plants have survived short dry spells but prefer consistent moisture
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cut flower sprigs for small arrangements (dainty and long-lasting in water)
- Rockery and rock garden specimen plant
- Border and cottage garden shrub for autumn and winter colour
- Container growing for courtyard and balcony gardens
- Groundcover in suitable low-growing and prostrate forms
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crowea Exalata
When does crowea exalata flower?
Crowea exalata flowers most abundantly from late summer through to mid-winter (roughly February to July in Australia), with the peak display in autumn and early winter. This timing is one of its most valued qualities, as it provides bright colour and cheer precisely when most other plants have finished flowering.
Is crowea exalata easy to grow?
Yes, it is considered one of the easier and more reliable Australian native shrubs to cultivate. It thrives in light, well-drained, lime-free soil with some shade from hot sun and consistent moisture. It responds well to pruning, tolerates light frosts, and propagates readily from cuttings.
What is the difference between crowea exalata and crowea saligna?
Both are closely related native shrubs with pink star-shaped flowers. Crowea exalata is generally smaller (to about 1 m), more dome-shaped, and more widespread across Victoria and NSW. Crowea saligna grows in a more upright, weakly bushy form with larger leaves and flowers, and is confined to coastal forests of central NSW. The popular "Festival" cultivar is believed to be a hybrid of both.
How do you prune crowea exalata?
Prune lightly at the end of winter or early spring, after the main flush of flowers. Trim back lightly to maintain a compact, bushy shape and to prevent the plant from becoming bare and leggy at the base. Pruning sprigs when you want cut flowers is also beneficial. Do not prune into bare, leafless old wood.
What does crowea exalata symbolize?
Crowea exalata symbolizes cheerfulness, hope, and resilience. Its habit of blooming most prolifically during winter, when most other plants are bare, has made it an emblem of warmth and persistent beauty through difficult conditions. Pink flowers carry meanings of tenderness and warmth, while the deeper pink cultivars suggest bold and enduring spirit.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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