Agonis flexuosa

Willow Myrtle / WA Peppermint / Peppermint Tree

Botanical Name: Agonis flexuosa
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Western Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen small tree (graceful, weeping habit)

Overview

Agonis flexuosa is the classic Western Australian peppermint tree, widely valued for its elegant pendulous branches, aromatic peppermint-scented foliage, and high resilience in hot, dry and coastal climates — making it exceptionally well suited to Adelaide. With long, fine, deep-green leaves that release a fresh peppermint scent when brushed, and small white spring flowers that attract pollinators, it creates a soft, tranquil aesthetic in native, coastal and modern landscapes. Tough, wind-tolerant, drought-tolerant once established and long-lived, it works beautifully as a feature tree, informal screen, or shade element in South Australian gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 5–10 m H × 3–6 m W (can be kept smaller with formative pruning when young)
• Growth Rate: 30–60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen; fine, deep-green aromatic leaves; foliage may show slight bronze or copper tints in winter or new growth flushes
• Flowers: Small white clusters in spring–early summer
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen year-round with graceful weeping form; subtle white spring bloom and occasional cool-season foliage tints
• Wildlife Value: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators; dense canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for small birds
• Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established; excellent heat and wind tolerance; coastal-tolerant (first- and second-line); light frost hardy (young plants may need protection); tolerates sandy or limestone soils
• Planting Density: Feature trees spaced 3–6 m apart depending on desired canopy spread; informal screen at 2.5–3 m spacing
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic; aromatic oils may cause mild tummy upset if leaves are chewed

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (full sun produces best density and weeping form)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy loam, loam or free-draining coastal limestone soils; tolerates light clay if drainage is improved
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal watering in winter unless very dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light shape-pruning when young to encourage structure; avoid hard pruning into old wood; fertilise lightly in early spring if desired
• Lifespan: 40–60+ years
• Climate Zones: Well suited to Mediterranean & temperate SA — Adelaide plains, coastal suburbs, Fleurieu, Yorke Peninsula
• Soil pH: Neutral; adaptable to slightly acidic–slightly alkaline soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature tree for native, coastal or contemporary gardens
• Informal screen or windbreak
• Shade tree for lawns, courtyards or play areas
• Soft, weeping contrast to structured plantings and architectural landscapes
• Excellent for coastal streetscapes and verge plantings

Why You Will Love It

A beautifully weeping, peppermint-scented evergreen tree that thrives in Adelaide's heat, wind and coastal conditions, Agonis flexuosa provides year-round elegance with almost no maintenance. Its toughness, long life, wildlife value and tranquil form make it an outstanding feature or screening tree for SA gardens.