Species

groundcover

Creeping Boobialla

The Story

Plant Bio

Myoporum parvifolium is a fast-spreading, prostrate evergreen groundcover native to southern Australia, where it thrives in coastal and dry inland environments. The species forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat of trailing stems that root where they touch the soil, bearing small, star-shaped white flowers from spring through summer.

'Fine Leaf Form' is distinguished by its exceptionally narrow, linear, glossy bright green foliage that creates a much finer and more delicate texture than the standard species. This selection maintains a highly compressed profile, reaching only four to six inches in height while spreading up to eight feet wide.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a seamless, fine-textured green carpet that softens hardscapes and drapes over retaining walls.

Provides highly effective erosion control on dry slopes and tolerates coastal salt spray.

Attracts small generalist native bees and beneficial insects while providing ground cover that suppresses weeds.

SpeciesMyoporum parvifoliumCreeping Boobialla

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent soil drainage.
Space plants 40 to 60 inches apart to allow the trailing stems room to spread without overcrowding.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then limit irrigation to dry periods once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Space individual plants at least four to five feet apart; planting too closely crowds the root crowns and increases the risk of fungal rot as the trailing stems knit together.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly at the tips to encourage denser growth and maintain neat borders.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to regenerate reliably.
Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water pools.
Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers which cause soft, rot-prone growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverErosion ControlRock GardenCoastal GardenMass Planting

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Agave attenuata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Creeping Boobialla questions

What zones can Creeping Boobialla grow in?

Creeping Boobialla is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Creeping Boobialla deer resistant?

Yes — Creeping Boobialla is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Creeping Boobialla bloom?

Creeping Boobialla typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Creeping Boobialla need full sun?

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

Is Creeping Boobialla drought tolerant?

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