Plum Bells Boronia

Plum Bells Boronia (Boronia hybrid 'Plum Bells') is a much-loved native shrub that smothers itself in vibrant magenta bells in spring. A cross between Boronia heterophylla and the perfumed brown boronia, Boronia megastigma, it grows to about 1m tall and wide with dainty evergreen leaves. Bred at the Kings Park Botanic Gardens in Perth, it brings a lightly scented burst of colour from winter into spring.

Why you'll love it

• Vibrant magenta bells. Deep pink-magenta, round bell flowers cover the plant in full spring bloom.
• A perfumed family. The flowers are lightly scented, and one of its parents, brown boronia, is famous for fragrance.
• Easy to place. About 1m by 1m, it fits a border without taking it over.
• Winter into spring. Flowering starts in winter and builds to a peak in spring, so the colour lasts.
• Flowers for the house. Cut stems last in a vase, and cutting them is the prune the plant wants.

Where it works best

Cottage borders. Plant 80cm apart in groups of three, towards the front of a sheltered bed. The magenta glows against dark green foliage and sits well with white and silver.

A spring cutting patch. A few plants give you armfuls of scented stems each year without spoiling the shape.

Dappled corners. Under open-canopy trees or beside a shaded fence, the cool light and cooler roots keep boronias happy.

Growing Plum Bells Boronia in Australia

Position and climate. A sheltered spot in dappled shade. Plum Bells tolerates a light frost. As with all boronias, the cooler the roots the better, so avoid reflected heat from paving or a hot wall.

Soil. Free draining, slightly acid and full of organic matter. Cover the soil around the new plant with gravel, which keeps temperatures even and the roots damp.

Water and feed. Water regularly: it must neither dry out nor stand in water. A slow release fertiliser for natives and fresh mulch after flowering keep it going into next year.

Pruning. Prune after flowering by cutting the flowering stems for the vase. That tidies the shape and encourages new growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Plum Bells Boronia as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, while the 140mm pots arrive further along and flower sooner.

Supply of Plum Bells Boronia tubes depends on our grower, who does not always have stock. When the page shows the tube as sold out, add your email with the notify button and we will tell 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

• Australian natives
• Flowering plants
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Fragrant plants

Common questions

What is the difference between Plum Bells and Magenta Stars?

They have similar deep magenta bells, but Plum Bells reaches about 1m, while Magenta Stars grows up to 2m, twice the height.

Is it scented?

Lightly. It is a cross with the highly fragrant brown boronia, and the cut stems bring a gentle perfume into a room.

Does it take a lot of care?

A little extra, as boronias do: even moisture, cool roots, free drainage and shelter from the hottest sun. Provide those and it is a rewarding plant.