Baeckea gunniana

Baeckea gunniana is an evergreen shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. People call it alpine baeckia or mountain heath myrtle. It comes from parts of southeastern Australia with a temperate climate. Its native range takes in northeastern and southeastern New South Wales. The range extends to Tasmania. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in bogs and wet, rocky places. It also grows by streams in alpine areas.

The shrub grows about 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall. It can spread about 6.6 feet (2 metres) across. It keeps its leaves all year. The leaves give off a strong camphor scent when touched. Plants For A Future describes a low form that lies along the ground. The source says this form stays low at lower heights above sea level. Each flower has both male and female organs. The sources give no details of fruit or when flowers bloom.

Grow this species in full sun, not shade. It needs rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It accepts soil that is mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. Keep the soil moist to match its wet native sites. Its low form suits a rock garden with enough moisture. Suggested sites include the sunny edges of woods. Walls that face south or west and give shelter also suit it.

Take care over cold when you choose a planting site. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. It reports that plants survived 19°F (−7°C) in Australian gardens. This does not prove they can withstand the same cold in Britain. Cooler summers can affect whether they live. Longer, wetter winters can affect this too. The source limits outdoor planting in Britain to the mildest sites with shelter. The evidence lists no pest or disease problems.

The leaves can serve as a tea substitute with a scent. Plants For A Future says they taste like citrus. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. It lists no known hazards but gives no full safety review. It lists no uses as medicine. To grow new plants, sow seed on the surface in spring or autumn. Use a greenhouse and keep the compost moist until seeds sprout. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the last frost you expect. You can also take half-ripe cuttings with a heel in July or August.