Grey Myrtle - Backhousia myrtifolia

Grey Myrtle Backhousia myrtifolia

A refined native that earns its place in the most considered Australian landscapes. Backhousia myrtifolia delivers year-round structure, delicate cream flowering, and an elegant, multi-stemmed form that reads as both naturalistic and architectural.

Why Grey Myrtle

Form: Dense, multi-stemmed habit with a graceful, upright presence suited to formal and informal compositions alike.
Flowering: Masses of creamy white blossoms in spring and summer, adding seasonal interest without sacrificing structure.
Screening: Naturally full canopy makes it an effective privacy screen or windbreak with far greater refinement than conventional hedge species.
Adaptability: Performs reliably across coastal, subtropical, and temperate climates; tolerates shade and moist conditions with ease.
Wildlife Value: A proven attractor of native birds and pollinators, adding ecological credibility to high-end residential and commercial projects.

Ideal Applications

Privacy Screening: Deploy in runs along property boundaries for a lush, layered screen that matures into a signature landscape feature.
Understorey Planting: Thrives beneath established canopy trees, filling mid-storey voids in structured native plantings.
Courtyards and Atriums: Compact enough for enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces where a refined, evergreen presence is required.
Riparian and Moist Zones: One of few ornamental natives that actively performs in poorly drained or creek-adjacent planting areas.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (screening/hedge): 2–3m
Spacing (feature/avenue): 4–6m
Planting Season: Spring or autumn
Soil & Drainage: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types including clay and sandy loams; benefits from organic matter
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first 12 months until established, keeping the root zone consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Details

Height: 5–10m
Width: 3–5m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)
Flower Colour: White