White Milkwort Boronia

White Milkwort Boronia (Boronia polygalifolia 'White') is a compact, wide spreading native shrub, only 30cm tall and 60cm across, that covers itself in small white four petalled flowers through spring and summer. It is a Queensland and New South Wales species, now classified by some botanists as Cyanothamnus polygalifolius, and it copes with humidity better than the southern boronias.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white flowers. Small, open, four petalled blooms stand upright over the foliage from spring into summer, a soft contrast to darker greens.
• Low and spreading. At 30cm by 60cm it works at the front of a bed, in a rockery or in a shallow pot.
• Humidity resilient. It grows naturally from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast to the Tops of inland New South Wales, so it is less fussy about humid summers than boronias from the south and west.
• Uncommon in gardens. Few gardeners grow it yet, which makes it a rewarding choice for native plant lovers.
• Evergreen leaves. The small, narrow leaves stay on the plant all year, so it never looks bare between flowers.

Where it works best

Borders and edges. Plant 50cm apart along the front of a bed for a low, flowering band that spreads gently to fill the gaps.

Rockeries and sandy spots. Light, free draining, rocky or sandy soil is where it grows in the wild. Tuck it between stones or into a gravel garden.

Pots and cottage gardens. A shallow, wide pot suits its low habit, and a place among cottage planting gives the white flowers room to shine.

Growing White Milkwort Boronia in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered spot in dappled shade. It tolerates a light frost, and its mix of coastal and mountain origins makes it adaptable across the subtropics and temperate gardens. Shelter from hot afternoon sun and drying wind.

Soil. Free draining, slightly acid soil with plenty of organic matter suits it. Mulch tubestock with gravel after planting to regulate soil temperature and to keep the roots cool and moist as the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Water regularly and do not let the plant dry out or become waterlogged. After pruning, apply a slow release native fertiliser and fresh mulch.

Pruning. A light prune once flowering finishes will shape the plant and encourage new growth. You can also cut flowering stems to enjoy indoors.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Milkwort Boronia as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The plant is small on arrival and may carry some flowers, though that depends on the season. Plant it into light, free draining soil with a gravel mulch, and keep it evenly moist while it settles.

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

• A guide to rare Australian natives
• Browse Australian natives
• Rockery plants
• Native bee plants

Common questions

Why is it also called Cyanothamnus?

Boronias were first grouped by appearance about 200 years ago. DNA studies have since led some botanists to move several species, including this one, into the genus Cyanothamnus. It is the same plant.

Will it cope with humidity?

Better than most boronias. It occurs naturally from the Sunshine Coast beaches to the Tops of New South Wales, so humid summers are less of a problem. Good drainage remains essential.

How tall does it grow?

Only about 30cm, spreading to roughly 60cm. It is a low plant for the front of a border, a rockery or a wide, shallow pot.