The Australian Native Birthflower for June is Payne’s Thryptomene
Payne’s thryptomene is an Australian native shrub growing to about 1m (3’) tall. It has an open, pendulous habit and tiny, aromatic leaves. Dainty, pale pink or white flowers are produced along the branches for several months of the year. These little flowers have a honey scent and attract butterflies. This plant thrives in most areas of Australia, except for the very hot or very cold zones.
Payne’s thryptomene needs a well drained position in the garden, in full sun or part shade. It can be grown readily from cuttings. Take soft tip or semi-hardwood cuttings any time from spring to winter. They strike well in a warm, moist environment using a sand/peat propagating mix.
You can create wonderful effects in your garden by mass planting. The stunning row of Payne’s thryptomenes (Thryptomene saxicola var. paynei) shown in our segment is a very good example.
Don’s tip: if any plant grows really well in your garden, don’t just plant one – plant a whole row!
Pretty plant
Payne’s thryptomene is an Australian native shrub growing to about 1m (3’) tall. It has an open, pendulous habit and tiny, aromatic leaves. Dainty, pale pink or white flowers are produced along the branches for several months of the year. These little flowers have a honey scent and attract butterflies. This plant thrives in most areas of Australia, except for the very hot or very cold zones.
Payne’s thryptomene needs a well drained position in the garden, in full sun or part shade. It can be grown readily from cuttings. Take soft tip or semi-hardwood cuttings any time from spring to winter. They strike well in a warm, moist environment using a sand/peat propagating mix.
Thryptomenes are members of the Myrtaceae or myrtle family, and are sometimes given the common name of heath myrtle. Payne’s thryptomene is a hybrid of unknown parentage, but it’s thought to be very similar to the species Thryptomene saxicola, a native of Western Australia. It has masses of dainty pink or white flowers during winter and spring, and tiny heath-like leaves that are aromatic when bruised.
Common name: Payne’s thryptomene
Botanical name: Thryptomene saxicola var. paynei
Evergreen shrub which grows to about 1 metre (3ft) tall with an open, pendulous habit. Small pale pink or white flowers barely bigger than a match-head are borne in profusion along the branches for several months of the year.
This plant thrives in most areas of Australia, except for the very hot or very cold zones.
Australian native garden cottage garden informal hedge cut flowers
very hardy long flowering butterfly attracting
Payne’s thryptomene needs a well drained position in the garden, in full sun or part shade. Mulch well. It can be grown readily from cuttings. Take soft tip or semi-hardwood cuttings any time from spring to winter. They strike well in a warm, moist environment using a sand/peat propagating mix.
This plant is readily available at nurseries in most parts of Australia. Expect to pay around $8-$10 for 140mm (5.5″) pots.