The Twiggy Heath Myrtle used to be the Baeckea ( Botanical name ) , but now Scientists can't seem to decide whether it's the Baeckea, Babbingtonia, or Sannantha .....it's an identity crisis !! Either way, we are talking about the same plant. The Baeckea is also very closely realated to the Leptospermum ( Australian Native Tea Trees), which has flowers that look very similar.
Baeckea plants are a small to medium shrub growing to around 2 metres in height. Most species are native to Australia, and have flowers in different colours, they are small and have 5 round petals, and can be white, cream, purple or shades of pink, depending on the species. Leptospermum are variable in height, depending on variety- from small shrubs to larger shrubs and small trees. During Spring and Summer, the plants are covered in masses of flowers which are spectacular, and they look like they're covered in snow. The flowers produce lots nectar, so the bees and wildlife have a great time around the bushes and they are also used for honey production.
Baeckea and Leptospermum are fast-growing plants, and for best results, plant them in the full sun and a light pruning after the main flowering to keep the plants compact. The best climate is cool temperate to warm, but it will tolerate some mild frosts. The plant pictured is a Leptospermum , which is growing in a Sydney Garden.
