Sweet Bursaria

Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) is a tough Australian native that becomes either a dense, clippable hedge or an open small tree, depending on how you treat it. Size varies widely, from 1m to 8m tall, and in summer it is covered in clouds of small, fragrant, starry white flowers that pollinators love.

Why you'll love it

• A true local. Its natural range runs from northern Queensland through to Tasmania and across to South Australia, and it sits naturally among gums and native grasses.
• Scented summer flowers. Clouds of starry white flowers open in summer, with odd flowers turning up through the year in warm or sheltered spots. Papery brown seedpods shaped like little hearts follow and stay ornamental.
• Good for wildlife. Butterflies and other pollinators work the flowers, and the dense, spiny stems give small birds safe shelter.
• Happy to be clipped. It takes shaping well, which is what makes it such a useful boundary hedge.
• Adaptable and easy. It grows in sun or part shade, copes with frost and coastal conditions, and even tolerates clay soils.

Where it works best

Boundary hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart and clip after flowering to build a dense, bird-friendly hedge. The spiny stems make it a deterrent barrier too, so keep it away from paths and play areas.

Native and wildlife gardens. It grows well beneath gums and among native grasses, filling the middle layer of a habitat planting.

Sensory and fragrant gardens. Set a plant near a seat or window so you can enjoy the summer scent, and the butterflies that arrive with it.

Growing Sweet Bursaria in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. It is found across the east and south-east of the mainland and Tasmania, and it copes with frost and with coastal conditions, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Size varies widely from plant to plant and site to site.

Soil. Well drained soil is ideal, though it also copes with clay. It asks for very little in the way of preparation.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer so the roots can establish. After that it manages with little attention. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser after the yearly trim.

Pruning. A light trim straight after flowering keeps it neat and bushy. For a hedge, clip once after flowering. Wear gloves and long sleeves, because the stems are spiny.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sweet Bursaria as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for a long hedge line, while the 200mm pots give a better start where you want screening sooner. Plants travel upright and settle quickly.

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
• Plants that attract birds
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

How big will it get?

The species is variable, from about 1m up to 8m tall and 1m to 6m wide. Left alone it can become a small tree. Clipped as a hedge, it will hold whatever height you set.

Is it prickly?

Yes, the stems are spiny. That is part of its value as a barrier hedge and as safe shelter for small birds, but plant it away from paths, play areas and anywhere you brush past.

When does it flower?

Mainly in summer, with scattered flowers at other times in warm or sheltered spots. The starry white flowers are fragrant and are followed by papery brown seedpods.