Bridal Star Wedding Bush

Bridal Star Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpos pinifolius 'Bridal Star') is a compact native shrub that covers itself in clouds of white, star-shaped flowers every spring. It grows 1 to 2m tall and 2 to 3m wide, a spreading mound of neat green foliage that looks tidy between flowerings. Wedding bush is rarely seen for sale because it is difficult to propagate, which makes it worth grabbing when it appears.

Why you'll love it

• A spring show. Pure white, starry flowers smother the plant and stand out sharply against the green foliage.
• Lightly scented. The blooms carry a gentle, honeyed floral fragrance.
• Good for pollinators. The flowers feed bees and other pollinators, which makes it a useful anchor in a wildlife garden.
• Pick it for the vase. The flowering stems can be cut and brought indoors in spring.
• Uncommon and local. It grows wild on sand dunes and sandy soils down the east coast from northern Queensland to Tasmania, yet few nurseries can supply it.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One plant in a sunny spot gives a spring focal point. Allow 2m between plants so the mound can spread to its full width.

Borders and garden beds. A row set 2m apart builds a loose, flowing border of white in spring, with neat green foliage for the rest of the year.

Wildlife and native gardens. Mix it with other natives for pollinators, and plant it where you can smell the blooms from a path or seat.

Growing Bridal Star Wedding Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sunny or partly shaded spot. Its home range runs from the Queensland coast to Tasmania, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. Sun gives the densest growth and the heaviest flowering.

Soil. Well-drained soil is the key, and light sandy soils suit it best. On clay, plant on a raised mound with coarse sand worked in. It does not need rich soil, so go easy on compost.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer so the roots settle, then only in long dry spells. After flowering, apply a native slow release fertiliser at the rate on the pack.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to keep a neat shape and encourage bushy growth. Take off spent flower stems and a little new growth only, and avoid cutting into bare old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bridal Star Wedding Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and also in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Young plants arrive compact and ready to plant. Water them in well and expect a settling-in period before real growth starts in warm weather.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and it is not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More Australian native shrubs
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• A guide to rare Australian native plants
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

How big does it get?

Between 1 and 2m tall and 2 to 3m wide, so it spreads wider than it is high. Leave room, and keep it back from paths it could overhang.

Why is wedding bush so hard to find?

It is difficult to propagate, so few nurseries stock it. That scarcity is the main reason to buy one when it is available.

Is it safe for pets?

We do not list it as pet friendly. It belongs to the spurge family, which includes a number of toxic plants, so plant it where dogs and cats are unlikely to chew it.