Spreading Eutaxia

Spreading Eutaxia (Eutaxia diffusa) is an informal native shrub that grows anywhere from about 50cm to 1.5m high and wide, depending on the site. In spring it is smothered in lightly fragrant, yellow-orange pea flowers that bring butterflies and bees to native and cottage gardens. It comes from mallee bushland, and it is happiest in dappled shade beneath gum trees.

Why you'll love it

• A spring flower show. Lightly fragrant yellow-orange pea flowers cover the shrub in spring, a relative of the egg-and-bacon peas.
• Suits dappled shade. Many natives want full sun, but this one is happy in the filtered light under eucalypts.
• Butterfly and bee friendly. The flowers feed butterflies, bees and other insects, which makes it useful in a wildlife garden.
• A size to suit the site. Its size ranges from about half a metre to 1.5m, so it fits a small border as readily as a larger bed.
• Tough once settled. It takes light frost once established and copes with dry spells.

Where it works best

Mixed borders and cottage gardens. Plant 1m apart in a mixed border. The informal, spreading habit blends easily with grasses, daisies and other natives, and the spring flowers add a warm contrast.

Native and wildlife gardens. Tuck it into a planting designed for insects and birds, where the pea flowers feed butterflies.

Under established trees. Use it at the edge of the canopy of open eucalypts, where dappled light and free-draining soil match its bushland home.

Growing Spreading Eutaxia in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade to semi-shade is the position to look for, like the filtered light under open gum trees. It grows wild in mallee bushland from South Australia and Victoria through New South Wales and into southern Queensland, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and semi-arid gardens. We would not choose it for the humid tropics. Established plants tolerate light frost.

Soil. It tolerates most soil types, but drainage must be free. Mulch after planting to keep the root zone cool and moist while the plant establishes.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while the plant establishes, then water through extended dry spells. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser during spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering for a tidy shape and to prolong the plant's health and life. Remove only the spent flowering tips rather than cutting into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Spreading Eutaxia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small plant with plenty of growth ahead. It settles in a few weeks and builds into a loose, spreading shrub over the next seasons, and its final size varies with site, climate and shade.

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
• Plants that feed native bees
• Designing a native garden that attracts wildlife
• Low maintenance shrubs

Common questions

How big will it get?

It is variable. Plants range from about 50cm to 1.5m high and wide, depending on the soil, shade and climate. Plan for the larger figure if the position is good.

Does it need shade?

Dappled to semi-shade is the position to look for, like the light under open gum trees. A sheltered spot under established trees suits it well.

Will it survive frost?

Established plants tolerate light frost. Protect young plants in their first winter, and plant them where cold air does not pool.