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How to Grow Austral Lophomyrtus

iNaturalist

Austral Lophomyrtus

Lophomyrtus obcordata

shrub

Austral Lophomyrtus is a compact, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, prized for its small, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and delicate foliage. This ornamental plant produces tiny white or pale pink flowers followed by small red berries that attract birds. It's commonly used as an accent plant in containers, hedges, and ornamental gardens.

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Example Austral Lophomyrtus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Austral Lophomyrtus

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Austral Lophomyrtus

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Austral Lophomyrtus dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best foliage color
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Prefers humidity and benefits from occasional misting.
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Spacing: 18 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental shrub)
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as container; transplants should have top of root ball level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand Compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown in containers and moved indoors in cooler climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young plant adjusting to garden conditions with slow initial growth and minimal branching

Water regularly, provide afternoon shade in hot climates, avoid fertilizing for first month

2

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Plant develops dense branching, small glossy leaves emerge along stems, compact form becomes apparent

Maintain consistent moisture, apply light fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring-summer), light pruning to shape

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks (spring-early summer)

Tiny white or pale pink flowers appear in clusters at branch tips, fragrant and delicate

Continue regular watering and feeding, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, avoid heavy pruning

4

Fruiting & Maturity

Ongoing (8+ weeks for berry development)

Small red berries develop after flowering, plant reaches mature compact size, foliage remains year-round

Allow berries to remain for bird attraction and visual interest, reduce fertilizer, prune selectively in late winter

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hebes Pittosporum Phormium Escallonia Japanese Maple Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent heavy watering Moisture-loving shade plants in areas with poor drainage

Common Pests

  • Inspect regularly; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune heavily infested branches

  • Increase humidity and misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if infestation is severe

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; spray with insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation

  • Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, repot into fresh soil if roots are affected

Uses

🌿

Container & Patio Gardening

Ornamental

Perfect for small gardens, patios, and balconies due to its compact size and year-round ornamental appeal. Thrives in decorative pots and can be moved indoors in colder climates. [source]

🦋

Bird Attraction

Wildlife

The small red berries provide food for birds and butterflies throughout the season, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements

Craft

The delicate foliage and small flowers are excellent for cutting and using in fresh or dried floral arrangements and bouquets. [source]

🏠

Topiary & Hedge Training

Household

The fine, dense foliage responds well to pruning and shaping, making it suitable for formal hedges, topiaries, and ornamental forms. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested; grown as ornamental. Allow berries to mature on plant for bird food and visual appeal. Foliage and small branches can be cut for arrangements. Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain compact form.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Lophomyrtus obcordata is endemic to New Zealand and its name refers to its distinctive heart-shaped (obcordate) leaves, which are among the smallest in the myrtle family.
  • 🌱 This shrub is sometimes called 'Rowan Myrtle' or 'New Zealand Myrtle' and was traditionally used by Māori people for various purposes.
  • 🌱 The plant's compact growth habit makes it ideal for Japanese-style gardens, alpine troughs, and bonsai cultivation.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade pH
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