Baeckea gunniana
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
Baeckea gunniana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Bogs and wet rocky sites, especially by water courses in alpine regions to 1800 metres.
Australia - New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are a tea substitute, they are very refreshing and aromatic. A citrus-like flavour.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a position in full sun in a fertile moisture retentive well-drained soil. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it should survive outdoors in the very mildest areas of the country, especially if given a sheltered position. Plants in Australian gardens tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c, but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. The leaves emit a powerful camphor-like scent when handled. This species is very closely related to and perhaps synonymous with B. utilis. A rock garden plant, it seems to maintain its prostrate habit even when grown at lower altitudes.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring or autumn in a greenhouse and keep the compost moist until germination takes place. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist