| Botanic name | Eutaxia obovata |
| Other names | Bacon and egg plant, egg and bacon plant, bush pea |
| Main Origin | Southwestern Western Australia |
| Mature size | 0.5 – 2 m x 0.5 – 2 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Small to medium shrub |
| Foliage | Small, spear-shaped, lime green, mid green, or blue green |
| Growth rate | Moderate to fast |
| Position | Full sun, light shade, part shade |
| Soil | Adapts to most soils, but performs best in moist, fertile soils |
| Water | Occasional deep watering during extended dry periods |
| Climate | Semi-arid, Mediterranean, temperate |
| Flower | Small, vibrant, pea-shaped from late winter to spring |
| Use | Feature specimen, screen, hedge, border, rockery or container |
| Notes | Suitable for coastal sites |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Origin and distribution
Eutaxia obovata, affectionately known as Bacon and Egg Plant, is a popular, whimsical shrub that infuses any garden with an airy, playful elegance.
Reminiscent of a miniature fairytale, it transforms into a living celebration each spring, adorning itself with numerous vibrant pea flowers that uncannily resemble the quintessential Australian breakfast staple – bacon and eggs – and always seems on the verge of a giggle.
This iconic Australian native originates from southwestern Western Australia, thriving in heath, scrubland or woodland of both inland and coastal regions, where the Mediterranean climate dominates.
Growth and care
Eutaxia obovata naturally thrives in regions with Mediterranean or similar climates, but it is highly adaptable to drier semi-arid or wetter temperate zones, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters.
The plant grows best in full sun or light shade, although it can adapt to semi-shade with a reduced flowering capability. It is drought-hardy once established, highly suitable for waterwise gardens. It is also tolerant of light frost to -4°C.
In its native habitat, Bacon and Egg Plant appears in both wet and dry areas. It is often found in moist woodland where karri and other eucalyptus trees dominate, mossy, swampy areas, or along waterways. It can also be found in drier inland scrub, heathland, and near the coast.
The plant naturally grows on various soil types, most often associated with sand, gravel, and clay. While it adapts to most soils, it performs best and blooms profusely in moist, free-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter.
Adding a layer of organic mulch to the soil to maintain moisture is essential for optimal plant growth. The annual application of slow-release fertiliser or aged compost in spring can promote robust foliage development and profuse flowering.
While Eutaxia ovata is suitable for seaside gardens with moderate coastal exposure, it is unsuitable for sites with strong salt-laden winds and soil salinity, which can negatively impact plant health.
Tip-pruning when the plant is young can promote a denser habit and enhance its overall form, even though it is naturally compact. Pruning lightly after flowering can further maintain size and shape.
Features
Eutaxia obovata is synonymous with Eutaxia myrtifolia, Eutaxia parvifolia, or an unresolved Dillwynia obovata. As confusing as it sounds, these botanical names are often used interchangeably as Bacon and Egg Plant.
Eutaxia obovata is a naturally compact shrub that often adopts an attractive, rounded form, especially with annual light pruning, reaching over 1 metre in height and width. This versatile plant serves equally well as a feature specimen in garden beds, rockeries, or containers, and is also ideal for creating informal screens, hedges, or borders.
Its leaves are small, narrowly spear-shaped in shades of lime, mid, or blue-green, arranged decussately (opposite pairs alternating at right angles) along its stems. Such orderly extension of stems gives the plant a distinctive, radiant appearance.
The standout feature of Eutaxia obovata is its striking, long-lasting display of pea-shaped flowers. Each bloom showcases vivid yellow petals with orange-red to red-brown markings, evoking the look of sunny-side-up eggs with a hint of bacon.
Appearing in profuse clusters along the stems from late winter through spring, these lightly fragrant flowers bring a cheerful burst of seasonal colour and charm to the garden amongst other plantings. The vibrant blooms attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects, supporting native biodiversity.
Eutaxia obovata ‘Nana’
Eutaxia obovata ‘Nana’ is a dwarf selection of the Egg and Bacon Plant. While keeping the key traits of its parental lineage, such as profuse, vibrant flowering and compact growth, ‘Nana’ grows up to only 60 cm in height and width, with a dense habit. This makes it highly popular for planting in pots, containers, and smaller garden beds.
