Beaufortia are often referred to as Bottlebrush or Brush Myrtle. Flowers are similar to those of the ‘Bottlebrush’ perhaps not as spectacular, however still very attractive.
Ranging from low growing plants to small shrubs that will reach around 2m in height, they are a genus that require excellent drainage. Not found widely in nurseries as they have proved to be relatively short lived, although they are easily propagated from seed and also form cuttings if desired. One species, Beaufortia bracteosa (pictured right) is beginning to find a place in the garden and it seems to be more resilient than most.
Beaufortia are a small genus found in southern Western Australia. Related to Melaleuca they do not tolerate humidity.
Grafted species may be hardier than others.
Some are low growing ground cover plants such as B. aestive (prostrate form).
The small garden shrubs are the most popular and these include Beaufortia aestive including cultivars such as the red flowering ‘Summer Flame’ as well as B.purpurea which again has red flowers and B.schaueri with pink flowers that are more rounded.
Larger shrubs include B. elegans with masses of pink flowers B.incana, B.orbifolia and the swamp bottlebrush B. sparsa which does like more moisture than most, wonderful orange flowers appear near the tops of tall stems, a great display and an unusual native plant.
The larger growing types such as B. squarrosa which is referred to as the ‘Sandplains Brush Myrtle’.