Creeping boobialla Myoporum parvifolium
Creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to South-eastern Australia. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Creeping boobialla in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Creeping boobialla at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-eastern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Creeping boobialla 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 Creeping boobialla
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Creeping boobialla
- How far apart should I plant Creeping boobialla?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Creeping boobialla need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Creeping boobialla need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Creeping boobialla?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Creeping boobialla flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks.
- Is Creeping boobialla 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 Creeping boobialla?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Creeping boobialla. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A fast, flat carpet of small succulent leaves dotted with white or pink star flowers in spring and summer; roots where it touches the ground. Takes heat, drought and light frost, and its fleshy leaves resist fire, so it is used in water-wise gardens and on banks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Fountain butterfly bush (alternate-leaved buddleja) Buddleja alternifolia
- Spotted emu bush Eremophila maculata
- Olympian mullein Verbascum olympicum
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Hosta Hosta spp.