One of the world’s most fascinating shrubs. Polymorpha in this case specifically refers to the leaves which are a different, form, shape, and texture on each individual plant. Very unusual for a hardy shrub. In early summer each form produces upright 5″ tall trusses of ivory/white flowers that are sweetly fragrant- blooms appear for 2 to 3 weeks. An evergreen shrub- usually of fine texture, that grows moderately fast to 3′-6′ in 5 years. In time the shrub will be larger. Full sun and light summer water, avoid sites with standing water in winter. Excellent on slopes. Native to the highest elevations of Tasmania. Its been cold hardy to about 5ºF. In cold gardens I would err on the side of protected. Does not tolerate shade of any kind. Full, all day sun. Light summer water. We have chosen three clones that we think are particularly handsome and we will be trialing those plants. Until then seedlings all with variable foliage are what we offer. Some have a very compact congested habit while others have stretched out and appear to be ultimately larger plants. Excellent as cut foliage as well as cut flowers. A large shrub in full bloom is a beautiful, sophisticated, party of curly ivory flowers. Fantastic. Might be deer resistant. Very good performance at the Oregon coast. Very rare shrub. Proteaceaous- avoid compost and fertilizers. Mulch with bark/ wood chips. Best as a single specimen. Most applicable common name ‘Variable leaf Lomatia’. That about covers it.
Genus: Lomatia
Lomatia tinctoria
AKA Guitar Plant from Tasmania. Still can’t tell why its called that. Perhaps the shape of the finely divided leaves? I dunno. Awesome shrub though that only reaches about 4′ high and 3′ wide in 7 years. In mid-late spring amazing 1′ long spikes rise and unfurl a multitude of curly ivory colored flowers. The effect is pure Monet. Compact evergreen for poor to average well drained soil. Little to no summer water when established. Does not do shade, of any kind. Do not try. Best sited in a protected location- against a south or west facing wall for instance. Elegant thing. Thanks, Tasmania.
Photo credit: Loree Bohl (Danger Garden)
Lomatia myricoides
River Lomatia is an elegant but always rare evergreen shrub that has been grown for decades in the PNW but has never been common. This high elevation Australian shrub has dazzling long thin foliage with fine and irregular indentations. The upper surface of the leaf is blue green with an underside of pale blue white. In May sweetly fragrant clouds of ivory colored curly flowers eminate from the the ends of each branch. They create a hazy effect over the handsome foliage. Multitrunked shrub to 12′ tall with a pronounced arching habit. You may prune errant horizontal branches in place of vertical to train the shrub to be more upright. Otherwise the splay stems clad in flowers are delightful and elegant rather than sloppy looking. Excellent performance in protected courtyards. Cold hardy near 0ºF (briefly) once established. Native primarily above 3500′ in the Australian mountains. Full sun and a warm position with light, consistent summer water. Accepts regular irrigation better than most proteoides. Tolerates ice and snow- very bendable branches. Cut foliage ( and flowers) is wonderful in arrangements. Could be deer resistant. Beautiful shrub.