Pinnate Boronia
Boronia pinnata
Family: Rutaceae
What it is like
Boronia pinnata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). 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) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Mountain ranges. Heathland and dry sclerophyll forests.
Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
An essential oil is obtained from the flowers and the leaves. Used in perfumery.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a rich well-drained lime-free sandy soil in a sunny sheltered position. One form of this species is resistant to salt spray. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. One report says that the plants might succeed on a wall in the milder areas of this country, another says that they require greenhouse protection and yet another says that they can be grown outdoors in tubs during the summer but need to be bought indoors in the winter. Plants can flower in their first year from seed if they are pot grown and the young shoot tips are pinched out constantly.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in a greenhouse at 15°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place within 4 - 9 weeks at 24°c. 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 shoot tips or side shoots, 5 - 10cm preferably with a heel, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist