River Lomatia. This unusual native Australian plant will adapt well to the Southeast. It thrives on poor, well-drained soil with little phosphorus. For some reason phosphorus seems to be toxic to this species. It is an ideal xeriscape plant as many native Australia natives are, adapting well to dry sites. It is unusual in that it is in the Protea family, Proteaceae. It will reach a height of 10 ft. with pendulous branches adorned with blue-green, narrow, serrated leaves. It covers itself in late spring with ivory white, fragrant flowers which are quite attractive to pollinators. It is also purported to be deer resistant. I was introduced to this species by one of our avid gardener customers, Lisa Minor. It will grow in sun to part shade, but the more sun, the more flowers. Authorities say to avoid fertilizer with this plant. I have seen numerous gardeners that are surprised at how cold hardy this species is being an Australian native. We give it now protection here in containers during the winter where it has endured single digits with no damage at all.
Zones 7-10
