Agonis flexuosa 'Lemon & Lime'

Lemon & Lime Willow Myrtle / Lemon & Lime Peppermint

Botanical Name: Agonis flexuosa ‘Lemon & Lime’
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Western Australia
Plant Type: vergreen shrub / small tree (compact, weeping habit)

Overview

Agonis flexuosa ‘Lemon & Lime’ is a vibrant, fine-textured peppermint willow cultivar selected for its striking golden, lime and soft chartreuse foliage. New growth flushes bright yellow-lime and softens to green as it matures, creating year-round colour and contrast in Adelaide gardens. The leaves release a fresh peppermint scent when brushed or crushed. With its naturally arching, lightly weeping habit and luminous foliage, it works beautifully as a feature shrub, informal hedge or bright accent in native, coastal, and modern Mediterranean landscapes. Small white spring flowers add subtle seasonal interest, while the plant’s resilience to heat, wind and coastal conditions makes it ideal for South Australia’s climate.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–3 m H × 1.5–2.5 m W (compact, semi-weeping)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen; bright yellow-lime new growth ageing to soft green; foliage may show richer gold tints in cold weather or during flushes of new growth; aromatic when crushed
• Flowers: Small white clusters in spring–early summer
  
• Fragrance: Foliage is pleasantly peppermint-fragrant when touched; flowers are not considered fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round evergreen colour with bright golden new growth peaks; soft spring flowering and warm foliage tints in cooler months
• Wildlife Value: Provides nectar for pollinators and shelter for small birds
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; excellent heat and wind tolerance; coastal-tolerant (second-line, occasionally first-line with good drainage); light frost hardy; dislikes waterlogging
• Planting Density: Hedge or screen: 1 per metre for density, 1.5 m apart for a looser form; features spaced 2–3 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic; essential oils may cause mild tummy upset if foliage is chewed

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade, with brightest yellow foliage achieved in full sun
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates slightly alkaline coastal soils and improved clay if drainage is good
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (weekly during heatwaves), with minimal watering in winter unless very dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light prune after flowering or in late winter to shape and maintain density; avoid heavy cutting into old wood; feed lightly in early spring with a native-safe fertiliser
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years
• Climate Zones: Excellent for Mediterranean and temperate SA — Adelaide Plains, coastal suburbs, Barossa edges, southern suburbs
• Soil pH: Neutral; adaptable to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Informal hedge or screen with bright year-round foliage
• Feature shrub for native, coastal or Mediterranean gardens
• Mass plant for vibrant structural contrast
• Accent plant near entries, pathways or outdoor living areas
• Suitable for large containers (with pruning to maintain size)

Why You Will Love It

‘Lemon & Lime’ delivers luminous golden foliage, a light peppermint fragrance and a naturally graceful habit that thrives in Adelaide’s heat and coastal conditions. With minimal care and excellent resilience, it brings year-round colour, structure and freshness to any modern or native-inspired landscape.