Payne’s Thryptomene
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.
Plant details
Common name: Payne’s thryptomene
Botanical name: Thryptomene saxicola var. paynei
Description:
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.
Best climate:
This plant thrives in most areas of Australia, except for the very hot or very cold zones.
Best look:
Australian native garden cottage garden informal hedge cut flowers
Good points:
very hardy long flowering butterfly attracting
Culture
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.
Getting started:
This plant is readily available at nurseries in most parts of Australia. Expect to pay around $8-$10 for 140mm (5.5") pots.