Boobialla (Myoporum ellipticum)

A hardy and adaptable native groundcover, Boobialla is well-suited to South East Queensland’s coastal and inland gardens, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soils. Its glossy green leaves form a dense carpet, suppressing weeds while stabilising sandy or eroding soils. Small, star-shaped white flowers appear throughout the warmer months, followed by small purple berries that attract birds. This plant is an excellent option for habitat gardens, providing shelter and food for local wildlife, while requiring minimal maintenance.

Watering preferences:

• Requires low to moderate watering and is very drought-tolerant once established.

Mulching preferences:

• Applying mulch may help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilising preferences:

• Fertilisation is not required, but a light feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season may encourage healthy growth.

Pruning preferences:

• Minimal pruning required—mostly for shaping and removing dead or damaged branches.

Good to Know:

• Adaptable to sandy and coastal soils and tolerates salt spray, making it a great choice for coastal South East Queensland gardens.