Product details
Product Overview
Gastrolobium Brown Butterfly is a hardy, low-maintenance groundcover perfect for a range of landscaping uses, including rockeries, slopes, and large pots. Its striking bronze leaves with green edges resemble butterfly wings, creating year-round interest in the garden. In summer, it showcases bright red pea-shaped flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds, adding both beauty and ecological value to the landscape.
Growth:
Reaches a height of 30-60 cm with a spread of 1-2 metres, forming a dense groundcover.
Light Requirements:
Prefers full sun to part shade, with full sun enhancing the foliage’s rich bronze hue.
Soil Requirements:
Thrives in well-drained soil and is adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay-based soils. As a legume, it requires minimal fertiliser.
Water Requirements:
Regular watering is needed until established. Once mature, it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Frost Tolerance:
Tolerates light frost, making it suitable for various Australian climates.
Drought Tolerance:
Once established, this plant is highly drought-resistant, ideal for water-efficient gardens.
Flowering Information:
Produces clusters of bright red flowers in summer, which attract pollinators.
Spacing Requirements:
Allow 1-2 metres between plants for a full, spreading effect.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a low-phosphorus, native fertiliser if needed, though minimal feeding is required due to its nitrogen-fixing properties.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune lightly after flowering to promote a compact form. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weeds, avoiding direct stem contact to prevent rot.
