Eutaxia Obovata Nana

Dwarf Beacon / Egg Plant / Egg and Bacon Plant

Botanical Name: Eutaxia obovata nana
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Western Australia, Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (dwarf)

Overview

A compact Aussie native with masses of two-toned “egg-and-bacon” pea flowers. Eutaxia obovata nana forms a dense, tidy mound of fine green foliage and bursts into lightly fragrant yellow blooms with red-brown markings from late winter through spring (often edging into early summer). Tough, low-water and coastal-capable — perfect for borders, low hedges, rockeries and pots in South Australian gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.3–1.0 m H × 0.4–1.2 m W (naturally compact)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, evergreen mid- to deep-green leaves; dense, clip-responsive habit (new growth can flush lime; may bronze lightly in winter)
• Flowers: Two-toned yellow with orange/red-brown “keel”; lightly fragrant; long-lasting display
  
• Seasonal Interest: Peak late winter–spring, with displays often extending to early summer after rain/heat breaks
• Wildlife Value: Nectar and pollen attract bees and other pollinators; dense habit offers small-critter shelter
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, clay-tolerant (with drainage), second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost
• Planting Density: Shrub borders/low hedge: 3–4 plants per metre (tight); Mass planting: 3–5 plants per m² for a full carpet. (Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.)
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic to cats/dogs; as with any plant, large ingestions may cause mild tummy upset.

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best flowering in sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sand or loam; handles clay/loam/sand with drainage; avoid waterlogging. Use low-phosphorus native fertiliser
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; lightly prune after flowering; feed with a low-P native fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years (often refreshed by new basal shoots)
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid to Neutral; avoid highly alkaline/limestone soils unless drainage is excellent

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low hedge or edging along paths and borders
• Mass plant for a cheerful spring carpet with lomandra, westringia & other water-wise natives
• Rockery and pots where compact form and long bloom shine

Why You Will Love It

A small, showy native that puts on months of cheerful colour with minimal water or fuss. Easy to clip, great in tight spaces, bee-friendly, and built for SA’s coastal/Mediterranean conditions — a high-conversion hero for low-maintenance gardens.