As delicate as a rose: Archirhodomyrtus beckleri

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This small feature tree really would fit in nicely in a garden full of roses, lavender and other English cottage style plants. The tiny flowers remind me of the blooms on climbing rose bushes and this pretty rainforest tree has the sweetest common name of ‘Rose Myrtle’.

Archirhodomyrtus beckleri flowers profusely with plenty of pale pink dainty flowers in Spring through to Summer and can often be heard before it is seen as it is a favourite among the bee population.

It has shiny green leaves and a slightly weeping habit so even when not in flower it makes an elegant small feature tree. IT will grow happily unfairly heavy shade to full sun but does prefer a moist protected position due to its rainforest status.

Archirhodomyrtus beckleri grows from around 3 metres high up to 5 or 6m with a width of 3 or 4 metres. If it is given enough space and favourable conditions it makes a lovely small shade tree with pretty mottled bark. It can also be used as a screening plant either stand alone or planted as a hedge and kept trimmed.

The flowers are followed by an edible small orange fruit which isn’t particularly tasty, although the birds love them. The leaves are scented as are the flowers, helping to attract plenty of pollinating insects.

So apart from all of the Rose Myrtles beneficial characteristics listed above it is also extremely useful in combination with exotic species. If you are planting a mixed garden use this plant as it will not look out of place amongst foreign friends 😉

Comments

2 responses to “As delicate as a rose: Archirhodomyrtus beckleri”

  1. Lesley-Ann Angus

    Hi
    Its lovely Does this tree grow in a frost prone area – i.e. Goulburn NSW? It can also have hot dry summers. I have a sheltered spot and I am looking for a screening tree or large bush that will attract birds.

    1. Kath Gadd

      Hi Lesley,

      Rose Myrtle’s native distribution is along the east coast from norther NSW to QLD. Being a rainforest plant it wouldn’t be able to handle Goulburn’s frosts and the hot dry summer might get a bit too much for it too. Perhaps you could try something like Melaleuca armillaris or Callistemon ‘In June’ in your area? They are wonderful for attracting nectivorous birds and are great screens with nice flowers and foliage. Or if you wanted something native and a little more tree like you could try Eucalyptus mannifera ‘Little Spotty’, which produces masses of white flowers in Summer to attract the insects and nectar feeding birds. The dense canopy of this dwarf eucalypt also provides some much welcome shade/protection in exposed gardens.

      Happy planting 🙂
      Kath

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