The Story
Plant Bio
Persoonia pinifolia, the pine-leaved geebung, is an upright to spreading evergreen shrub endemic to the sandstone woodland ecosystems of the Sydney basin in New South Wales. The species develops smooth grey bark and gracefully weeping, pendulous branches that form a dense, soft-textured canopy.
It is distinguished by its fine, needle-like green foliage that is soft to the touch and bright golden-yellow tubular flowers clustered in terminal racemes. These blooms appear through summer and autumn, followed by fleshy green-to-reddish drupes that attract native birds.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
157 inches
Width
118 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
New South Wales, Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Autumn
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a planting site with full sun to partial shade and highly draining, acidic sandstone or sandy soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
- Water in thoroughly upon planting, then establish a deep, infrequent watering schedule to encourage deep root growth.
- Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Never prune heavily into old, leafless wood as the plant lacks epicormic buds to regenerate; instead, tip-prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense habit.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Use only phosphorus-free or native-specific fertilisers sparingly.
- Tip-prune lightly after flowering to shape the canopy.
- Provide occasional deep watering during extended dry spells once established.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining soils.
- Do not apply standard commercial fertilisers containing phosphorus.
- Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood.
- Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) questions
What zones can Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) grow in?
Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) 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.
When does Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) bloom?
Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) need full sun?
Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pine-leaved Geebung, Pine-leaf Geebung, Mambara (Cadigal) with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.