Agonis flexuosa ‘Afterdark’

Afterdark Willow Myrtle (Agonis flexuosa 'Afterdark') is the tree to choose when you want dark foliage that reads as deliberate. In a garden it settles at about 6m tall and 4m wide, well short of the towering green form, and the whole canopy weeps in fine burgundy leaves that hold colour all year. Small white flowers line the stems in spring. Being a Western Australian native, it takes salt wind, dry spells and poor sandy ground in its stride.

Why you'll love it

• Burgundy that lasts twelve months. The colour sits in the leaf, not in a brief seasonal display, so the tree looks the same in July as in January.
• A weeping shape at a usable size. At 6m by 4m it gives the cascading habit of a much larger tree without swallowing a suburban block.
• Real coastal credentials. Salt, wind and drought tolerant, which is rare in a tree with foliage this fine.
• Very little upkeep. Once the roots are down it wants a feed in spring and an occasional tidy.

Where it works best

Feature and shade tree. One specimen carries a front garden, and the canopy throws useful shade over a seat by about the fourth year.

Driveways and avenues. Space trees 6m apart so each canopy keeps its own outline. Closer than that and the weeping form disappears into one dark mass.

Coastal gardens and screening. On an exposed block it filters salt wind rather than fighting it. For a loose boundary screen, plant 3m apart and let the canopies knit at head height.

Growing Afterdark Willow Myrtle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun brings out the deepest burgundy; in part shade the foliage drifts to bronze green. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid gardens. It takes light frost only, so cold inland districts, the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens carry a real risk of losses.

Soil. Drainage matters far more than fertility, and sandy or gravelly ground suits it well. On clay, plant high on a mound, because wet feet through winter is what kills these trees.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then only in long dry spells. Use a low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring, since standard blends can burn the roots of Western Australian natives.

Pruning. Tip prune for two years to build a framework, then lift the lower branches for clearance and leave the canopy alone. Avoid cutting into old bare wood, which reshoots slowly if at all.

What to expect when it arrives

Eight sizes are grown: tube, 140mm, 200mm, 250mm and 300mm pots, then 400mm, 45L and 100L. Tube and 140mm plants are slender young whips, the sensible choice for an avenue where you need ten or more. From 300mm up you get a branched young tree, and 45L and 100L stock arrives with real height already made.

A little leaf drop in transit is normal with foliage this fine. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect 50cm to 80cm of height a year once established, and every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing trees for a driveway or avenue
• Browse the Australian native tree range
• Salt tolerant plants for exposed blocks
• The green leaved willow myrtle

Common questions

How big does it really get?

About 6m tall and 4m wide in a garden, considerably smaller than the wild coastal form of the species. Growth slows once it reaches full height, so it does not need constant reducing.

Will it survive frost?

It handles light frost only. In a cold inland or tableland garden expect burnt foliage and possible losses through the first winters, so it is not the pick where heavy frosts are routine.

Does the colour hold in shade?

Only partly. In full sun the leaves stay deep burgundy, while in part shade the inner canopy greens off and only the new growth keeps its colour.