White Fringe Myrtle

White Fringe Myrtle (Calytrix tetragona 'White') is a compact native shrub, 1m to 1.5m high and wide, that covers itself in starry white flowers in spring and summer. The fine green leaves are aromatic when crushed. Bees and butterflies love it, and it suits rockeries, coastal spots and native borders.

Why you'll love it

• Masses of starry white flowers. Spring and summer bring clouds of small white stars across the whole plant.
• Aromatic leaves. The fine foliage gives off fragrance when crushed, which makes it a pleasure beside a path or gate.
• Pollinator friendly. Bees and butterflies work the flowers, so it is a useful addition to a wildlife garden.
• Compact and low maintenance. At 1m to 1.5m it stays tidy with little more than a light prune after flowering.
• A true local. It grows wild in every state and territory, in sandy and gravel soils, open heath and southern coastland.

Where it works best

Rockeries and sunny borders. Plant 1m apart in a group so the shrubs touch as they mature. A rockery or a gravelly bed gives them the sharp drainage they like.

Coastal gardens. Native to sandy soils and southern coastland, it suits seaside plantings that are sheltered from the harshest wind.

Native bed companions. In the wild it often grows beside native hop bush, so the two make natural partners in a native garden.

Growing White Fringe Myrtle in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a sunny, sheltered position. White Fringe Myrtle handles light frost but should be protected from hard or prolonged frost, so cover young plants in cold districts. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

Soil. Plant in well drained, acid soil. Alkaline soil and heavy, wet clay are poor matches, so raise the bed or grow it in a pot where your ground is limey or heavy.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until it is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that, water regularly through dry periods. Top up the mulch and apply a slow release fertiliser in spring before the buds form.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to keep the plant dense and bushy and to encourage more flowers next year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Fringe Myrtle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a group planting on a budget, while the 140mm pots give a sturdier plant in the first season. Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks in warm soil.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button 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

• More Australian native shrubs
• Native bee plants
• Plants for rockeries
• Plants for native bees: a year-round guide

Common questions

What soil does it need?

Well drained, acid soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. It dislikes alkaline or heavy wet ground.

Does it need frost protection?

It copes with light frost, but protect it from hard or prolonged frost, especially while it is young.

When should I prune it?

Lightly after flowering, which keeps it dense and encourages more flowers the following year.