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Baeckea virgata Tall Baeckea/ Twiggy Heath Myrtle
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Comments, Features & Uses:
Evergreen wiry-stemmed, bushy, erect shrub/small tree with dark green linear leaves and tea tree like clustered white flowers appearing in late spring and summer. A very hardy plant that is also suitable for hedging. Excellent habitat for small native birds such as finches and wrens.
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Naturally Occurring:
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VIC, NSW, Qld, NT and New Caledonia.
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Dimensions:
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1.5-4.5m h x 3m w/ 500mm cal |
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Aspect:
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Full sun or lightly shaded positions are preferred. |
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Coastal Tolerance:
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Second line where protected.
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Soil Requirements:
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Has a medium tolerance of clay and heavy soils but prefers well drained enriched sandy soils. Natural habitat is in damp sites and along watercourses and open forests of the coast and tablelands. |
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Moisture Requirements:
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Regular watering required only until established if planted in suitable conditions as reasonably drought tolerant. Will however require watering during long dry periods.
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Temperature Range:
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Can withstand temperatures as low as minus 3 degrees celsius and high as mid 30's for short periods once established.
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Maintenance and Fertiliser Requirements:
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After flowering prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Apply slow release, low phosphorus fertiliser at the end of Winter.
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Pests and Diseases:
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Webworm, loopers and fungal problems.
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Spacing Guide:
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500mm-750mm apart. |
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Typical Container Sizes Available:
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140mm, 200mm
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