Brown boronia (scented boronia) Boronia megastigma
Brown boronia (scented boronia) (Boronia megastigma) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Swampy heath of south-west Western Australia. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Brown boronia (scented boronia) in your garden →
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Brown boronia (scented boronia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Swampy heath of south-west Western Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Brown boronia (scented boronia) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Brown boronia (scented boronia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Brown boronia (scented boronia)
- How far apart should I plant Brown boronia (scented boronia)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Brown boronia (scented boronia) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Brown boronia (scented boronia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Brown boronia (scented boronia)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Brown boronia (scented boronia) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Brown boronia (scented boronia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Brown boronia (scented boronia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Brown boronia (scented boronia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- Small nodding bells, brown outside and yellow inside, with one of the most intense sweet scents of any plant, in late winter and spring; grown commercially for boronia absolute used in perfume. Usually short-lived: wants cool, moist roots in sandy soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia