Myoporum parvifolium 'Yareena'

Yareena Creeping Boobialla

Botanical Name: Myoporum parvifolium ‘Yareena’
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen groundcover shrub

Overview

‘Yareena’ is a superior, long-lived form of the Australian creeping boobialla, bred for enhanced density, cleaner foliage, and exceptional drought tolerance—ideal for South Australian gardens. It forms a lush, weed-suppressing carpet of fine grey-green foliage and produces masses of small white star-shaped flowers from late spring through autumn. Highly resilient in Adelaide’s heat, coastal winds and low rainfall, it performs reliably on slopes, verges, retaining walls and mass groundcover plantings. Foliage is not fragrant, but leaves may develop soft silvery or bronze tints during cold or very dry periods, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 1.5–2.0 m W (low, dense, trailing habit)
• Growth Rate: 40–70 cm spread per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, grey-green leaves; evergreen; may show silver or bronze tints in cold/dry conditions
• Flowers: Masses of small white star-shaped blooms, late spring–autumn
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen, dense groundcover with extended flowering; subtle winter/summer foliage tints
• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators; dense mat provides shelter for lizards and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant once established; heat-, wind- and salt-tolerant; suitable for coastal SA; light frost tolerant
• Planting Density: 1 plant per 2–3 m² for broad coverage; 1–1.5 m apart along edges or walls
• Pet Friendly: Generally considered non-toxic; ingestion of foliage may cause mild tummy upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (full sun = best density and flowering)
• Soil: Prefers free-draining sandy, loamy or limestone soils; tolerates poor and rocky soil; avoid chronic waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3-4 weeks in summer (more in extreme heat); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Very low — trim back runners to maintain boundaries; remove spent flowers if desired; apply a light native-safe fertiliser in early spring if growth slows
• Lifespan: 20+ years (very long-lived compared to older forms)
• Climate Zones: Excellent in Adelaide plains, coastal suburbs, Fleurieu, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline; tolerates slightly acidic if well-drained

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Large-scale waterwise groundcover for banks, verges and expansive beds
• Weed-suppressing carpet under trees or between larger native shrubs
• Coastal plantings with westringia, coastal rosemary, eremophila and lomandra
• Spill-over plant for retaining walls, rockeries and garden edges
• Durable groundcover for modern Mediterranean, native and low-irrigation landscapes

Why You Will Love It

‘Yareena’ is one of the toughest and cleanest-performing groundcovers available—perfect for filling large areas with minimal water and virtually no maintenance. Its long flowering period, dense coverage and high drought/coastal tolerance make it extremely reliable in South Australia’s Mediterranean climate.