This small shrub has slender bright spreading branches that form a compact rounded habit. It has glossy dark green oblong leaves and the pendent yellow-tipped reddish tube-shaped flowers appear along the stems during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Nematolepis phebalioidesIs naturally found in south-west Western Australia near Esperance and growing on the Esperance plane and in mallee thickets on the coast in sand dunes and inland.

It prefers a semi-shaded to sunny protected position and grows in very well drained poor, sandy stony to clay soils with a limestone base and are tending acidic. It is drought and light frost tolerant but dislikes wet or saline soils.

This shrub is grown for its flowers and rounded bushy habit. It is planted in low garden borders or used in rockeries as a specimen and is used in arid gardens. It is also ideal for patio pots and planter boxes and that when young can be planted in hanging baskets. It is suitable coastal and inland regions preferring a Mediterranean climate and establishes in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived.

This shrub prefers soil with perfect drainage and it may be difficult to cultivate in humid regions. Once established it has a low water requirement (Scale: 1-drop from 3), responding to mulch and an occasional deep watering during dry periods, particularly for young plants. ID 3827

Nematolepis (NEM-a-to-LAY-pis) phebalioides (FEB-alli-OY-dez)

Rutaceae (roo-TAY-see-ee)
Rue and Citrus Family