| Botanic name | Myoporum parvifolium |
| Other names | Creeping boobialla, creeping myoporum |
| Main Origin | Southern Australia |
| Mature size | 2 – 4 m x 0.1 – 0.2 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Prostrate shrub |
| Foliage | Small and fine, lance-shaped, glossy, mid to deep green |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Position | Full sun, light shade |
| Soil | Adaptable to various soils, but intolerant of alkaline soils |
| Water | Occasional watering during prolonged dry spells |
| Climate | Semi-arid, Mediterranean, cool & warm temperate, subtropical |
| Flower | Starry white flowers, late-spring to early autumn |
| Use | Ground cover, container planting, lawn substitute, living mulch |
| Notes | Suitable for coastal conditions |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Origin and distribution
Myoporum parvifolium, commonly known as creeping myoporum or creeping boobialla, is a prostrate shrub, highly prized for its low-growing and fast spreading nature, dense soft foliage, adaptability, and landscape uses.
Endemic to southern Australia, Myoporum parvifolium can withstand diverse climatic conditions, from mild, temperate coastal to harsh, semi-arid inland conditions.
In its indigenous range, Myoporum parvifolium thrives in diverse environments, including river flats, saline flats, woodlands, or limestone cliffs.
The diverse growing conditions allow this plant to flourish in various home gardens and public spaces. It is one of the most planted ground covers in drier parts of Australia.
Growth and care
Creeping boobialla thrives best in full sun or light shade. It is drought-hardy and can tolerate light frost. While it tolerates a range of humidity, this plant performs particularly well in drier regions.
Myoporum parvifolium can thrive in well-drained sandy or clay soils, with an acidic to neutral pH. It is intolerant of alkaline soils and waterlogging.
During the initial growth phase, water regularly so the plant can develop a deep root system. Incorporating organic mulch around the plant helps conserve soil moisture and provides nutrients as it decomposes.
As the plant spreads, it sets roots at nodes where the soil is in contact. These shallow roots absorb moisture and nutrients while anchoring the stems as they extend.
The effective root system enhances the plant’s robustness and resilience against environmental stressors such as drought, heat, high winds, and poor soil conditions. Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Myoporum parvifolium generally does not require heavy fertilisation. Light applications of a slow-release, balanced fertiliser during the growing season can promote lush growth.
The plant can be lightly pruned to maintain its height and width. Remove any lifeless, broken, or overgrown branchlets. Hardened cuttings can be used to fill blank areas during the growing season.
Features
Myoporum parvifolium typically reaches 2 – 4 metres wide and 10 – 20 cm tall. It spreads quickly and forms a dense mat that suppresses weed development. This growth habit is distinct from other Myoporum species.
The plant has small, narrow, fleshy, bright green leaves arranged alternately along the stems. During warmer months, starry flowers emerge, adding aesthetic appeal to the plant. Rounded, succulent fruits follow.
Once established, this ground cover requires minimal maintenance. It has low water needs and a high resistance to pests and diseases.
Landscape uses
- Lawn substitute (light foot traffic only): Myoporum parvifolium is a beautiful evergreen, drought-tolerant, fast spreading creeper. With a low-maintenance nature, it is a perfect lawn substitute in a light foot traffic area.
- Living mulch: This ground cover forms a dense mat that shields the ground from heat. It is a living mulch that suppresses weeds and helps condition the soil.
- Rockery: Its spreading and trailing nature is well suited to rockery aesthetics.
- Pathway filler: With a minimal height and rapid spread, it is an ideal plant to fill gaps between stepping stones or alongside pathways.
- Planter and retaining wall border: Creeping boobialla is a multi-stemmed creeper that often cascades down gracefully from the edge of its confinement.
- Seaside garden: This plant is highly adaptable to sandy soils and saline conditions, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
- Slope, hillside and enbankment: Its extensive root system makes it an ideal groundcover for difficult sites like slopes, hillsides and embankments to stabilise soil and control erosion.
Myoporum parvifolium cultivars
- ‘Pink’: features pink flowers instead of white.
- ‘Broad Leaf’: features wider and thicker leaves, with a denser appearance. This cultivar has two varieties distinguished by white or pink flowers.
- ‘Fine Leaf‘: features narrower, more delicate leaves, with a finer-textured appearance. This cultivar also has two varieties distinguished by white or pink flowers.
- ‘Purpurea‘: Also known as Purple Creeping Boobialla, featuring burgundy-purple foliage mixed with deep green.
- ‘Yareena‘: A more robust variety than the original species with enhanced drought and frost tolerance, and crisper, vibrant foliage.
- ‘Coarse Leaf Pink‘: Features fleshy leaves and pink flowers.
- ‘Mat Pink’: Features petite pink flowers and rosemary-like foliage.
FAQs
Can you walk on Myoporum parvifolium?
Yes, you can. It is soft and spongy to walk on, but does not sustain heavy foot traffic.
How big does Myoporum parvifolium get?
As a single plant, Myoporum parvifolium can expand 3 – 4 metres wide and does not often exceed 20 cm in height.
Will Myoporum grow in shade?
Myoporum parvifolium performs best in a full sun or lightly shaded area. Heavy shade will compromise the development of its foliage and flowers.
Can you propagate Myoporum parvifolium?
Propagation can be achieved from seed, but sprouting may be slow. Hardened branchlet cuttings strike readily, offering a reliable way to propagate this plant.
What kind of soil does Myoporum like?
Myoporum parvifolium thrives in various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained and not alkaline.
