Rondeletia

Rondeletia (Rondeletia amoena) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that makes a flowering screen: 2 to 3m tall and 3m wide, with large rounded leaves and clusters of perfumed pink flowers from late winter to early summer. Birds, bees and butterflies work the nectar-rich blooms, and the plant stands up to beachside wind and salt spray. It needs a warm, frost-free position.

Why you'll love it

• Months of scented flowers. Pink flower clusters open from late winter into early summer, carrying a perfume you notice as you walk past.
• A wildlife magnet. The nectar-rich blooms draw birds, bees and butterflies for most of the flowering season.
• Fast cover. Large leaves and quick growth close gaps in a screen sooner than most flowering shrubs.
• Tough by the sea. It tolerates beachside wind and salt spray, which rules out many other flowering shrubs.
• Copes with dry spells. Once established it tolerates prolonged dry periods, so it does not need constant watering.

Where it works best

Flowering hedge or privacy screen. Plant 1.5m apart and the shrubs knit into a continuous flowering screen 2 to 3m tall within a few seasons.

Coastal gardens. It takes wind and salt that burn many shrubs, provided it sits in a frost-free spot with free-draining soil.

Cottage garden feature. Used singly as the star of a bed, it needs room: allow about 3m across for the full shape.

Growing Rondeletia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in a warm, frost-free spot. Frost damages it, so it suits tropical, subtropical and the frost-free parts of warm temperate gardens. In areas with regular frosts it is not a safe choice.

Soil. Free-draining soil is needed. It is well suited to sandy coastal soils, and on heavier ground you should mound the planting area or add coarse material to open the soil.

Water and feed. Mulch after planting and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, or until established. After that it tolerates long dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser once a year to encourage a dense habit.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to keep it shaped, and avoid cutting into old wood, which can be slow to recover. Regular light trimming also keeps a screen dense from the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Rondeletia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is in the ground. Small plants need a protected first season, so plant out in warm weather and water in well.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever none is on hand, and the notify button on the page emails 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

• Hedging and screening plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Fragrant plants for the garden
• How to build and keep a great hedge

Common questions

Is Rondeletia frost hardy?

No. It needs protection from frost, so plant it in a warm, sheltered position and avoid it altogether where hard frosts are regular.

How big will it get?

Plan on 2 to 3m high and about 3m wide. It is a large shrub, so give it room or use it as a screen along a boundary.

Does it have a scent?

Yes. The pink flowers are perfumed, so plant it near a path, window or seat to enjoy it.