Boronia Carousel

Boronia 'Carousel' is a hybrid between two Australian shrubs, forming an erect, evergreen, aromatic bush with small bell-shaped flowers that turn from pink to red. In mild coastal regions it can be grown in the ground in non-calcareous, moisture-retentive soil. It also performs well in pots, allowing gardeners in colder climates to overwinter it in a lightly heated greenhouse or conservatory.

Boronia 'Carousel' belongs to the Rutaceae family. The 'Carousel' hybrid appears less susceptible to diseases than either parent. It reaches its adult size in 3 to 5 years, forming an upright, oval shrub averaging 1.50m in height with a 1m spread in the ground. Thin, ascending, branched stems bear narrow, pointed leaves that release a pleasant aroma when crushed. Flowering lasts from May to early July: solitary, pendulous, 4-petalled waxy bells in magenta pink to red with a pleasant fragrance appear at the leaf axils. After pollination the petals close and persist around the developing fruit, prolonging the appearance of flowering.

Boronia 'Carousel' does not tolerate temperatures below -5/-6°C, limestone soils, or aridity; it requires good sunlight. Outside mild Atlantic coastal areas, pot cultivation is preferable, allowing control of substrate and wintering conditions. In the garden it associates well with Galvezia speciosa, Gomphostigma virgatum, Diosma 'Pink Fountain', Genistas, or heathers. It can also be used as a low hedge alongside Leptospermums. In containers it combines well with Plumbago du Cap, Tibouchina, or Myrtus communis 'Flore Pleno'. Its fragrant pink-red flowers are also suitable for cut bouquets.