General Description:

Homoranthus is a genus of about 30 species and is closely related to the genus Darwinia. The difference between the two genera is based on Homoranthus having single or multiple awns at the ends of the calyx lobes. While botanically significant, the difference is slight and a number of species previously placed in Darwinia have been reclassified as Homoranthus.

Homoranthus flavescens is probably the best known member of the genus and has been in cultivation for many years.  It is a spreading shrub, usually about 0.5 to 1 metre high by 1 metre wide with grey-green foliage in layers on horizontal branches.  The small leaves are about 10 mm long and 1.5 mm wide. Small, yellow flowers about 3 mm long develop towards the ends of branches in a massed display in spring through to summer.  The individual flowers have a protruding style about 1 cm long.

This species is widely grown and hardy in a range of soils and climates. It’s distinctive growth habit makes it an attractive landscaping plant even when not in flower.   It is suited to well drained, moist soils in full sun or semi shade and will tolerate extended dry periods and at least moderate frost once established. The plant can tolerate light pruning to promote foliage growth but heavy pruning will damage the plant’s distinctive growth habit.

Plants can be propagated from seed but this is not readily available. The species can be grown fairly easily from cuttings of firm, current season’s growth.