shrub

Sticky Boobialla

The Story

Plant Bio

Myoporum petiolatum is an evergreen Australian shrub that grows two to six feet tall with dense, rounded branching and sticky stems. Its shiny, dark green elliptic leaves feature tiny serrated margins and distinct leaf stalks that separate it from related species.

Small clusters of white, tubular flowers flushed with lilac and dotted with purple spots appear in the leaf axils from winter through summer. Unlike Myoporum viscosum, which it resembles, this species lacks a strong, unpleasant odor and bears thinner leaves on pronounced petioles.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces shiny foliage and small white flowers spotted with purple over an extended bloom period.

Tolerates salty coastal breezes, drought, and poor soils once established.

Provides flower nectar for generalist insect pollinators and shelter within its dense canopy.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with light, highly permeable soil.
Dig a planting hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, avoiding organic amendments in heavy clays.
Set the plant at its original nursery depth and firm the soil gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting, then allow the top several inches of soil to dry out between irrigations.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly behind spent flower clusters to maintain density, avoiding heavy cuts into old leafless wood that cannot regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in light, gritty, or sharply drained soil to prevent root rot.
Tip-prune leafy stem ends after the main flowering window to promote dense structure.
Provide full sunlight for maximum flower production and foliage shine.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow soil to remain waterlogged.
Avoid severe hard pruning back into thick, bare stems.
Do not heavy-feed with rich fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensHedges & ScreensDrought-Tolerant BedsContainer Gardening

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Correa alba Callistemon citrinus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sticky Boobialla questions

What zones can Sticky Boobialla grow in?

Sticky Boobialla is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10: in that range it survives winter in the ground. Colder than Zone 9, grow it in a container you can move to shelter for the winter.

When does Sticky Boobialla bloom?

Sticky Boobialla typically blooms from winter to summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sticky Boobialla need full sun?

Sticky Boobialla does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sticky Boobialla drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sticky Boobialla handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.