Lagunaria patersonii (Australian whitewood)

Botanical name

Lagunaria patersonii

Other names

Norfolk Island cow-itch tree, Norfolk Island hibiscus, Norfolk Island white oak, Queensland pyramid tree, Queesland pyramidal tree, Primrose tree, Australian whitewood

Genus

Lavatera Lavatera

Species

L. patersonii - L. patersonii is a frost tender, columnar to conical, evergreen tree with ovate to broadly lance-shaped, olive green leaves, grey-scaly beneath, and cup- or trumpet-shaped, pink flowers in summer followed by ovoid seed capsules.

Native to

Mediterranean

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Conical, Broadly columnar

Toxicity

Handling seed capsules may cause skin itchiness or irritation.

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Colour

Flower

Pink in Summer

Foliage

Olive green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Scale insects

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Typically needs restrictive pruning under glass.

Propagation methods

Seed, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Lagunaria patersonii (Australian whitewood) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Wallside and trellises, Gravel

Cultivation

In frost-free areas grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun. Tolerates saline conditions and air pollution. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light. In growth, water freely & feed monthly.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3), Indoor unheated (H2)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Lagunaria patersonii (Australian whitewood)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Lagunaria patersonii (Australian whitewood)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Lagunaria patersonii (Australian whitewood)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Epicauta atomaria

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

South American blister beetle; affecting solanaceous crops which (as plants for planting) are prohibited from entering the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/