Doreen Stenocarpus

Doreen Stenocarpus (Stenocarpus angustifolius 'Doreen') is a compact, upright native shrub with fine, fern-like foliage that opens bright lime. Left alone it reaches about 5m, or you can clip it to the height you want, and clusters of curly, creamy white flowers appear that bees and other pollinators love. It looks delicate but it is tougher than it appears.

Why you'll love it

• Fine foliage with real contrast. Light green, ferny leaves with bright lime new growth set off bolder plants around them.
• Clips to any height. It grows to about 5m but takes clipping well, so it can be a tall screen, a hedge or a smaller specimen.
• Fast growing native. A rainforest shrub that establishes quickly and fills out without fuss.
• Pollinator magnet. Creamy white flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
• Light frost and wet patches. It tolerates light frosts, and since it grows in and near creeks in the wild it suits a seasonally wet corner.

Where it works best

Screening. Plant 1.2m apart in a row and leave it unclipped for a soft green screen, rising towards 5m as it matures.

Clipped hedging. At the same 1.2m spacing, clip regularly to hold a dense hedge at the height you prefer.

Specimen planting. Use one plant as a contrast to bold or dark leaved neighbours, where the fine light green foliage stands out.

Seasonally wet corners. Its creek-side origins make it a good choice for a low spot that stays damp for part of the year.

Growing Doreen Stenocarpus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun is ideal, though it tolerates most positions and conditions. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and tolerates light frosts, so in frostier districts plant it in a sheltered spot.

Soil. Plant in well-drained soil, with mulch and some fertiliser at planting time. Despite that, it comes from creek country and copes with a seasonally wet part of the garden.

Water and feed. Mulch and keep it watered until it is established, after which it should be fine. Mulching and fertilising at planting gives the roots a head start.

Pruning. Leave it to grow to about 5m or clip it to your preferred height. It responds well to clipping, which is why it works so well as a hedge. Regular light clipping through the growing season keeps a hedge dense.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Doreen Stenocarpus 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 and is the economical way to plant a screen. The 140mm pots give a hedge line a taller start. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

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
• Hedging and screening plants
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

How tall will it grow?

Up to about 5m if left alone. It takes clipping well, so you can hold it at any height you like.

Can I use it as a hedge?

Yes. Plant 1.2m apart and clip regularly. The fine foliage makes an attractive, soft textured hedge.

Does it tolerate frost?

It tolerates light frosts. In districts with heavy frost, choose a sheltered position and protect young plants in their first winter.