Myoporum tenuifolium
waterbush
A half-hardy evergreen shrub with a spreading habit and thin, elliptic, glossy green leaves. Small white flowers, sometimes speckled with purple, are produced singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils in spring, followed by purple berries
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
In mild regions, may be grown outdoors, in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny spot with midday shade. In areas prone to frost, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in a loam-based compost with bright filtered light
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects when grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.