This variable shrub has slender woody stems with many branches that form a prostrate to ascending habit. It has dark green narrow spine-tipped leaves and the pinkish white 2-lipped flowers appear solitary amongst the foliage during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Hemiandra pungensIs naturally found in south-west Western Australia from Geraldton to Albany in the south and grows in shrubland or woodland and in heath.

It prefers an open sunny to semi shaded position and grows in very well-drained poor to moderately fertile gravelly-sand to clay loam that is tending acidic. It is drought and light frost tolerant but dislikes humid summers preferring a Mediterranean climate.

Snakebush is grown for its spreading habit and flowers. The prostrate form is grown as a ground cover in parks and gardens or used as a spill-over above retaining walls. It is also grown in hanging baskets when young or used in roof gardens. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and establishes in 2-3 years but may be short lived. It is not commonly cultivated and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3824

Hemiandra (hem-ee-AN-druh) pungens (PUN-gens)

Lamiaceae(lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
(Labiatae)
Mint Family