Clasping Goodenia

Clasping Goodenia (Goodenia amplexans) is a fast growing South Australian native that reaches about 1m tall and wide, with clear yellow fan-shaped flowers from spring to autumn. Broad, herb-scented leaves wrap around the stems, which is where the name comes from. It is adaptable and friendly to wildlife, and a quick way to fill a native border.

Why you'll love it

• Long flowering. Clear yellow flowers with the three large lower petals typical of goodenias appear from spring to autumn.
• Feeds native pollinators. Native bees, including the striped blue-banded bee, visit the flowers, and the plant hosts butterflies.
• Fast growing border filler. It grows quickly to about 1m, so gaps in a new native planting close in a season or two.
• Adaptable. In the wild it grows from shady bushland in the ranges to dry, sunny coastal cliffs, so it suits seaside, outback and cottage gardens.
• Scented leaves. Brush the foliage and it releases a pleasant, medicinal, herbal scent.

Where it works best

Native and wildlife gardens. Pair it with grevilleas, correas and native grasses. The yellow flowers blend into native and cottage colour schemes easily.

Seaside gardens. Because it grows on coastal cliffs in the wild, it is a sensible pick for gardens close to the sea.

Borders and fillers. Plant 80cm apart along a border or in gaps between larger shrubs. It also suits the shade under trees.

Growing Clasping Goodenia in Australia

Position and climate. Choose full sun to part shade. It is frost tolerant and, with a natural range from bushland at altitude to coastal cliffs, adapts to many climates. Habit varies from a low, spreading plant to an open shrub, so try it in a couple of places to see where it settles in.

Soil. Plant in moist, free draining soil. It will grow in clay or sand.

Water and feed. Continue to water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser during spring.

Pruning. Hard prune after flowering to keep it dense and flowery.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Clasping Goodenia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and green, and with its fast growth it reaches a useful size in a season. Plant it out promptly and keep the soil moist until roots take hold.

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 plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• Native bee plants
• Native plants with yellow flowers

Common questions

How big does Clasping Goodenia grow?

Usually to about 1m high and wide. The habit varies from a low spreading plant to an open shrub, depending on the position.

When should I prune it?

Hard prune after flowering. That keeps the plant dense and flowery for the next season.

Does it handle frost and coastal wind?

It is frost tolerant, and in the wild it grows on coastal cliffs, so a seaside garden suits it.