Multiflorous Phyllanthus

Multiflorous Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus multiflorus) is an evergreen screening shrub with a genuinely weeping habit, growing to around 4m tall and 3m wide. Fine leaves sit in flat sprays along arching branches, so a planted row reads as a soft green curtain rather than a clipped wall.

Why you'll love it

• A screen with movement. The weeping branches shift in a breeze, softening a boundary fence in a way upright hedging plants never manage.
• Height where you need it. At about 4m it clears a fence line and covers an upstairs window without becoming a tree to manage.
• Comfortable in humidity and wind. Southeast Asian by origin, so wet summers suit it, and the flexible stems bend rather than snap on an exposed corner.
• Low maintenance. No spraying schedule and no deadheading. The flowers are insignificant, so the appeal is entirely foliage and shape.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. That spacing lets each plant keep its arching shape while the canopies overlap, which is what creates the curtain effect.

Hedging. It takes a trim and holds at 2m to 3m, though clipping hard trades the weeping habit for a formal face. Two light trims a year is the better balance.

Feature planting. A single specimen beside a path or courtyard wall shows the habit best, given room to arch on every side.

Growing Multiflorous Phyllanthus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to partial shade, denser in sun and looser in dappled light. This is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so hard frosting inland and southern gardens should choose a hardier screen.

Soil. Free draining soil with compost worked through the bed. It is not fussy about type but dislikes sitting wet in winter, so raise the bed on heavy clay. Mulch 75mm deep, clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then taper off. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring and late summer keeps growth dense and leaf colour even.

Pruning. Tip prune from planting to build low branching. Trim after the spring flush, and cut any upright shoot that breaks the weeping line back to a side branch.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as young stock in two sizes: 140mm pots in packs of ten, and 200mm pots in packs of six. Both arrive as single stemmed plants at knee height or under, which is the sensible way to buy a long screen, since young plants establish quickly and cost far less per metre of boundary.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet month after planting, then steady growth through the first warm season and two to three seasons before the row closes. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to plant a hedge and keep it sharp
• Screening plants that finish between 2m and 4m
• Compare the full hedging and screening range
• Alternative hedging plants worth considering

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Space plants 1.5m apart in a single row. Closer planting crowds the arching branches and costs you the weeping habit without closing the gap any sooner.

Will it handle frost?

Light frost only. It shrugs off the occasional cold morning once established, but repeated hard frosts burn the foliage and check growth badly.

Can I keep it below 4m?

Yes. Two trims a year hold it at 2m to 3m. Prune back to a side branch rather than shearing the face flat, so the plant keeps its layered look.

Does it flower?

Only insignificantly. The small flowers sit tight against the stems and are easy to miss. Buy this plant for the foliage and habit, not for colour.