Baeckea linifolia
Flax-leaf Heath Myrtle (Baeckea linifolia) is a delicate weeping shrub from moist habitats in eastern Victoria and New South Wales, conspicuous for its very fine, straight leaves and stems. It has proved tough, however, in growing at the Australian National Botanic Gardens and has survived drought well.
It is a useful size for small gardens, remaining at a 2 m tree-like shape and only bushy at the base if trimmed for that purpose. This is a shrub not for distant viewing or bold effect but for near planting where the tiny white flowers can be seen, or a leaf bruised now and then for its spicy perfume.
The tiny, pure white flowers are a perfect shape, with five petals, and resemble Leptospermum (Tea Trees) to which the genus Baeckea is related. All face upwards on the stems and for their size are quite showy, especially on the purplish background, as one of the best flowering times is June to July. A flush of flowers can occur at any time from early February; in fact they are completely absent only during a short rest from late spring onwards.
The seed capsules are like tiny bells on short stalks and they also turn red in ripening, making this a shrub of changing tints. Capsules brought indoors release numerous fine seeds and these or summer cuttings are used in propagation.
If pruned for bushy growth it probably would be tall enough to help in covering a fence - a useful attribute in a new garden. Sprays of cut flowers live well in water, continuing to open and, if desired, cutting can help towards pruning.
