General Description:

Platyscace is a genus of about 22 species, all of which occur naturally only in Australia.  They are found in all mainland states and are woody perennial herbs or subshrubs.

Platyscace lanceolata is an upright or spreading shrub from 0.3 to 1.5 metres high with finely hairy stems.  The leaves are a dull green, narrowly to broadly lanceolate, 10-50 mm long and 4-15 mm wide. The white to cream flowers occur in compound umbels about 15-50 mm in diameter at the ends of branches. The flowers appear over a long period from autumn to spring.

This species has been in cultivation for many years and is an attractive small shrub valued for its dense foliage and attractive flowering habit. It prefers well-drained soils in a sunny to lightly shaded position and will tolerate light frosts. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.

There are at least two named cultivars :

• ‘Edna Walling Flower Girl’ – selected  for its dwarf habit and pink buds opening to massed white flowers.
• ‘Valentine Lace’ – selected for the cut flower trade to produce long straight stems with an array of small branches carrying heads of dainty white flowers (see Australian Plants, Vol.20, No.160).

Platysace lanceolata can be propagated from fresh seed without pre-treatment. Cuttings of hardened, current season’s growth should strike readily.