What is Swan River Myrtle?
What is swan river myrtle? Its scientific name is Hypocalymma robustum. Although it is native to the southern tip of western Australia, it has been grown with success in most Mediterranean-type climates. In colder climates, it can be planted in a container and brought indoors for the winter. A relatively small shrub, it tends to grow to between 3 and 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) in height, although certain varieties can reach up to 12 feet (4 m.) tall. Its flowers are spectacular, blooming in clusters along the stems in shades of bright to deep pink. The flowers tend to bloom from winter through spring. The leaves are much longer than they are wide and deep green.
Swan River Myrtle Cultivation
While it may be native to Australia, this doesn’t mean you cannot grow it elsewhere, provided you can get your hands on one. Swan river myrtle care is relatively easy. The plant is extremely drought-tolerant and needs very little extra watering. The best soil is sand to loam, with neutral to slightly acid pH. It grows best in full sun, but it will easily tolerate some light shade. It can handle a light frost, but in climates with cold winters, growing swan river myrtle in a container and bringing it indoors for the colder months is the best course of action. Some light pruning is recommended to keep your swan river myrtle compact and bushy, but it’s not strictly necessary – it’s a naturally compact shrub. Swan river myrtle cultivation is especially rewarding in small spaces and closely planted lines, like natural borders and hedges.
