Product details
Product Overview
Lasiopetalum baueri Slender Velvet Bush is an evergreen Australian native shrub prized for its rusty-hairy new growth, soft foliage, and clusters of delicate pink or white flowers in spring. It works well in native gardens, coastal settings, or as a low informal hedge or mass planting.
Growth:
Typically reaches about 1-1.5 m high and similar in width, though in ideal conditions can spread up to 2 m or more. There is also a prostrate form available which spreads wider and stays lower.
Light Requirements:
Thrives in full sun to part shade. Flowering and compact form are best with plenty of sun; plants in heavy shade may become leggy.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained soils. Suited to sandy, loamy, or light clay soils. Tolerant of both acidic and slightly alkaline pH. Poorly drained or waterlogged soil should be avoided.
Water Requirements:
Needs regular watering during establishment. Once mature, quite drought tolerant; benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Overwatering or persistent moisture can lead to fungal issues.
Frost Tolerance:
Moderately frost tolerant. Can handle light to moderate frost once established, though new growth might be damaged in severe cold.
Drought Tolerance:
Good drought tolerance once established. Keeps foliage in dry soils well, but does best with some protection during extreme heat.
Flowering Information:
Produces clusters of small pink or white flowers during spring (and sometimes into early summer). The flowers are more visible on plants in sunny positions.
Spacing Requirements:
Allow about 1-1.5 m between plants to account for mature width. For prostrate or groundcover forms, spacing can be closer to allow for spread.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Low nutrient requirements. A light application of native plant or slow-release fertiliser in spring helps. Avoid heavy feeding.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and prevent leggy growth. Tip pruning helps encourage a denser habit. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but keep mulch away from the base of stems. Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings.
