Myoporum parvifolium White

Myoporum parvifolium White is a lovely white flowered version of a prostrate Australian bush called Small-leaved Myoporum, also known as Creeping Boobialla. Its long stems, adorned with small evergreen leaves, follow the contours of the soil, quickly forming beautiful ground cover in rock gardens, bordering flower beds, or cascading down walls. The plant bears small honey-scented flowers for many weeks between spring and summer. It is not very hardy, but well adapted to summer drought and coastal conditions. Elsewhere, grow it in containers or hanging baskets and store indoors during winter.

Myoporum parvifolium is a shrub from the Scrophulariaceae family. It originates from the eastern part of South Australia, which has a mild winter climate and dry summers. In the wild, it is often found on limestone cliffs, in valleys, or in sandy soil woods. This plant does not tolerate temperatures below -4 or -5°C (24.8 to 23°F). Myoporum parvifolium grows rapidly and forms a ground cover of about 15cm (6in) in height, covering an area of 1m². In pots, the plant will remain smaller in size. The foliage remains throughout winter. The oval-shaped leaves are thick and fleshy, measuring 1.8 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in length and 3 to 6mm (1in) in width, with a bright green colour. They are arranged alternately and tightly on the long creeping stems. Flowering begins in May or June, depending on the climate, and continues until July-August. Small solitary or grouped flowers appear in the axils of the leaves, with each flower measuring less than 1cm (1in) in width and consisting of a tube opening into 5 lobes, revealing 4 stamens. The throat of the flowers is speckled with violet spots.

In mild climates, Myoporum parvifolium is used in rock gardens, as a border plant on raised flower beds, or planted above walls. It can be combined with other ground cover plants such as dwarf artemisia, Teucrium haradjanii, Drosanthemum hispidum, or Hertia cheirifolia, for example. Other drought-tolerant plants such as Convolvulus cneorum, Cistus skanbergii, or trailing rosemary will also make good companions. Small-leaved myoporum is also a good plant for flower containers, troughs, and hanging baskets.