Boronia megastigma Lutea

Yellow Boronia (Lutea)

Botanical Name: Boronia megastigma 'Lutea'
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: South-western Western Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Famous for its intensely fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, ‘Lutea’ swaps the usual brown tones for lemon–gold bells that light up late winter–spring. A compact, fine-foliaged shrub that performs best in Adelaide/SA when grown in pots or sheltered borders with cool, well-drained yet evenly moist soil and morning sun/afternoon shade.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.2 m H × 0.6–0.8 m W
• Growth Rate: 15–30 cm/year (moderate)
• Foliage: Fine, mid-green, aromatic when brushed
• Flowers: Very fragrant cup/bell flowers, clear lemon to golden-yellow inside and out (may show soft lime tints in cool weather); mainly late winter–spring
  
• Seasonal Interest: Powerful winter–spring fragrance; neat evergreen foliage year-round
• Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinating insects
• Tolerance: Not drought-tolerant (needs consistent moisture); moderate heat-tolerant in shade with irrigation; wind-tolerant if sheltered; not coastal (avoid salt/wind); light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Borders/low hedge: 2–3 plants per metre (≈ 35–50 cm centres); Mass planting: 4–6 plants/m²
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; any plant ingestion may upset pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Morning sun to part shade (avoid hot afternoon sun)
• Soil: Sandy/loam, rich in organic matter, excellent drainage; keep roots cool with mulch
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: keep evenly moist; water weekly in summer (more in heatwaves); do not let dry out completely
• Maintenance: Light tip-prune after flowering to keep bushy (don’t cut into old wood). Avoid root disturbance. Feed lightly in late winter with low-P native fertiliser; refresh mulch
• Lifespan: Typically 3–7 years (short-lived but spectacular)
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA in sheltered spots; excels in containers (Adelaide Plains & Hills)
• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (prefers acid)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Pots by doors/windows to enjoy the perfume
• Shaded border with other fragrance stars (daphne, hellebore)
• Protected courtyard/entry where irrigation is easy (not a privacy hedge)

Why You Will Love It

The same legendary boronia perfume with citrus-yellow bells—perfect for Adelaide containers and sheltered SA gardens where fragrance is the hero.