Philotheca Myoporoides
Philotheca myoporoides (DC.) Bayly
Philotheca myoporoides, the long-leaf waxflower, is a robust and adaptable Australian native shrub that produces masses of delicate white starry flowers over a long season. Hardy, dense, and low-maintenance, it is one of the most reliable and versatile native plants available for Australian and international gardens.
Rutaceae
Winter to spring (July to November) with the main flush from late winter to early spring; intermittent flowers may appear at other times of the year
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: verbascum phoeniceums and campanulas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Philotheca myoporoides was first formally described in 1824 by the Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle under the name Eriostemon myoporoides. For over 170 years it was universally known as Eriostemon, and many gardeners still refer to it by this older name. In 1998, botanist Michael James Bayly transferred it to the genus Philotheca in the journal Muelleria, making it Philotheca myoporoides. The species name myoporoides comes from the Greek and Latin, meaning "resembling Myoporum," a reference to a superficial similarity in leaf appearance. As a member of the Rutaceae family alongside boronia, crowea, and eriostemon, it belongs to a distinctively Australian group of plants celebrated for their abundant, elegant flowers. Among the waxflowers, Philotheca myoporoides stands out for its exceptional hardiness, adaptability, and long lifespan, which can extend to approximately 30 years under good conditions. This combination of delicate beauty and rugged reliability has made it one of the most enduringly popular native shrubs in Australian horticulture, grown for nearly a century in nurseries across eastern Australia.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to light or partial shade; most adaptable of the waxflowers to varied light conditions
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; prefers even moderate moisture; tolerates dry periods; avoid waterlogging; suitable for moist-to-dry conditions
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Adaptable to most soil types except waterlogged, Neutral to slightly acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil of most types; one of the most soil-adaptable of all native Rutaceae
Grows well in full sun or partial shade and tolerates coastal salt wind and pollution
Hardy to most frosts; among the most frost-tolerant of the waxflowers
Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to maintain a compact, dense form and stimulate new growth
Very low maintenance once established; requires little to no fertilising in average soils
The popular compact cultivar "Profusion" is highly suitable for smaller gardens and containers and flowers especially prolifically
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Informal screening hedge or windbreak (dense growth to ground level)
- Feature shrub in cottage, native, and low-maintenance gardens
- Cut flower sprigs (flowers are showy against green foliage; use as accent in arrangements)
- Container growing in courtyards and poolside gardens
- Coastal garden planting due to tolerance of environmental salt and pollution
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Philotheca Myoporoides
What is the old name for philotheca myoporoides?
Until 1998, Philotheca myoporoides was universally known as Eriostemon myoporoides. It was transferred to the genus Philotheca by botanist Michael Bayly based on revised taxonomic research. Many gardeners and nurseries still refer to it by its old name Eriostemon.
How long does philotheca myoporoides live?
It is notably long-lived for a native shrub in this family, with a lifespan of approximately 30 years under good conditions. This longevity, combined with its adaptability and low maintenance needs, makes it one of the most reliable waxflowers for permanent garden planting.
Is philotheca myoporoides easy to grow?
Yes, it is considered one of the hardiest and most adaptable of all the native waxflowers. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, full sun to partial shade, light frosts, dry periods, coastal wind, and urban pollution. Once established it requires very little care beyond a light prune after flowering.
When does long-leaf waxflower bloom?
The main flowering period is from late winter through to mid-spring, roughly July to November in Australia. Pink buds open to reveal white, star-shaped flowers that show beautifully against the dense mid-green foliage. Sporadic flowering can also occur at other times of the year.
What does philotheca myoporoides symbolize?
Philotheca myoporoides symbolizes purity, constancy, and understated elegance. Its white flowers represent clarity and new beginnings, while its exceptional hardiness and long lifespan reflect quiet endurance and reliable beauty. The contrast of pink buds opening to white flowers adds a sense of gentle anticipation and hope.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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