PLANT OF THE WEEK
Scientific Name:Agonis Flexuosa
Common Name: Willow Myrtle/ Peppermint Willow (pictured)
Family: Myrtaceae
Etymology: derived from the Greek word agonos, translated as "without angles," in reference to the drooping branches of some species
flexuous means "bending" or "curvy," referring to the way the branches arch gracefully.
Origins: Native to Western Australia
Height: to 10 metres
Flowering: Late spring-branches are covered in fragrant tiny white flowers.
There are various cultivars available such as Agonis 'After Dark" (pictured) and Agonis 'Jervis Bay, Agonis 'variegata' and Agonis 'Burgundy.'
Also there is a dwarf form Agonis "Nana.'
Another fairly spectacular tree when in flower which although small, there are heaps of them.
The burgundy or dark foliage is a superb contrast to all that green you may have in the garden.
Soil preference is sandy to medium soil, but not clay soils.
This one's not frost tolerant.
Adrian says you would grow it for the attractive foliage and attracting furrowed bark.
I'm talking with native plant expert Adrian O'Malley
