There are about 100 species of boronia, with most found in Western Australia. They are usually small shrubs to 1m (3') tall with pink to mauve, 4-petalled, perfumed flowers and aromatic foliage. Some species do grow taller, and some have white, yellow or brown flowers.

Heartbreaker

The brown boronia (Boronia megastigma) from Western Australia is one of those plants that gardeners love, but it often breaks their hearts. It has a heavenly scent, but it is very prone to root rot diseases and unfortunately it tends to drop dead! It grows to around 1m (3') tall and wide and in late winter to spring produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are brown on the outside and lime green inside. Different varieties of brown boronia are available, including 'Jack Macguire's Red' (red flowers), 'Lutea' (yellow flowers) and 'Harlequin' (brown and yellow striped flowers).

Exciting breakthrough

Phillip Vaughan, of Mt Cassell Nursery in Victoria, is now grafting varieties of brown boronia onto a hardy rootstock, so that the plants should grow happily for years in the garden rather than just a few weeks or months. The rootstock is Boronia clavata, which has been tested extensively by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture, and found to be resistant to root rot and other diseases. This work was done under a grant from the Australian Flora Foundation.

Growing boronias

Most boronias need moist but well-drained soil and dappled light. The area around the plants should be kept well mulched. For success with brown boronia, the root zone must not be allowed to dry out. Lightly prune all boronias after flowering. Grafted brown boronias will grow successfully in even humid climates such as along the east coast.

Further information

Our segment was filmed with Phillip Vaughan of

Mt Cassell Native Plant Nursery
9 Wildflower Drive
Pomonal, VIC, 3381
Phone: (03) 5356 6351
Open daily: 9am-5pm

Grafted brown boronias are available in limited numbers, but will be more readily available after Christmas. Expect to pay around $15 for 140mm (6") pots and $25 for 200mm (8") pots. Mail orders are accepted Australia wide (phone the nursery for details and costs).

Further reading

For more information about boronias, see the article in the August edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine. The magazine is available at newsagents for $4.60.

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