Brown Boronia

Brown Boronia (Boronia megastigma) is one of the most fragrant plants in the native garden. Small cup-shaped flowers, maroon-chocolate outside and yellow within, release a rich, citrus-tinged perfume through winter and spring. It forms a compact shrub about 1m tall and up to 1m wide with fine, feathery leaves, and this is the wild species form that native plant enthusiasts prize.

Why you'll love it

• A perfume that carries. The flowers are highly fragrant, and a few cut stems will scent a whole room.
• A striking contrast. Chocolate maroon on the outside of each bell, yellow on the inside: a two-tone flower in dark, warm colours.
• Fast to grow and flower. It is quick to establish and quick to bloom, so you enjoy it from the start.
• Wonderful cut flowers. The stems suit a vase, and the species is grown commercially for its essential oils.
• Container friendly. Its compact size and dappled shade preference make it a good pot plant.

Where it works best

Beside paths and seats. Plant 70cm apart where the perfume meets you, near an entry, a bench or a bedroom window, in dappled shade.

Containers. Grow one plant per 40cm pot of moist, acid native mix. A pot lets you move it into the best position as the seasons change.

Cool southern gardens. Its wild home is damp woodland and winter swamp in the south-west, so it is best in cool, moist, sheltered positions rather than hot dry beds.

Growing Brown Boronia in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade or filtered sun in a sheltered spot. It comes from the far south-west of Western Australia and needs cool winter weather to start its flower buds, so this is one for the southern states and cooler regions. It does not like humidity, and it should come through a light overnight frost.

Soil. Free-draining, moist, acid soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulch generously to keep the roots cool, because it dislikes hot, dry feet.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, and top up during long dry spells in winter. After flowering, feed with a slow release native fertiliser and lay fresh mulch.

Pruning. A light prune once flowering has finished encourages new growth and helps prolong the plant's life. Do not cut hard.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Brown Boronia as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, while the 140mm pots arrive further along for faster flowers.

Our grower supplies the tubes, so supply comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

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

• Fragrant plants for the garden
• Plants for cool climates
• Aromatic gardening guide
• Plants for pots and containers

Common questions

How long does it live?

Honestly, not very long. Brown Boronia is not a long-lived plant, but it is quick to grow and flower, so you get value from the first season. A light prune after flowering helps extend its life.

Will it grow in a humid climate?

It dislikes humidity and needs cool winters to set flower buds, so it does best in the cooler southern states. In hot, humid regions it is a poor bet.

Why are the flowers brown?

The cups are maroon-chocolate on the outside and yellow on the inside, which is where the common name comes from. Open flowers show the yellow, so a plant in bloom carries both.