All 13 species of the Baeckea genus are endemic to Australia, although one extends to tropical Asia. The genus is part of the myrtle family Myrtaceae. They are evergreen, erect to spreading shrubs with small, neat leaves. The flowers are similar to those of the tea-tree and are small and white (very occasionally pink) and produced on thin, wiry stems. They provide a showy display in spring and summer and are popular as cut flowers. The flowers are followed by tiny, dry seed capsules which take on reddish tints as they ripen.
Baeckea virgata or twiggy myrtle is a good screening plant and also makes a nice informal hedge. It is suited to most soils and has masses of small white flowers in summer. It is a great choice for attracting nectar feeding birds, butterflies, beetles and tree frogs.
Baeckea behrii or the broom baeckea is endemic to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. It grows to 2 metres. It is a slender shrub with small white (rarely pink), open-petalled flowers which are produced mainly from August to September. This is a drought resistant species native to inland Australia. It prefers a warm climate but will grow in cooler areas.
The baeckea utilis or mountain baeckea grows to 3 metres tall. It is an upright shrub, native to the highlands of south-eastern Australia and often found in subalpine regions. Slender wiry branches are crowded with small aromatic leaves. In summer, it has small, creamy white flowers.
Another alpine species is baeckea gunniana, which has the common name of alpine baeckea. It is densely branched and may have a prostrate habit in higher elevations. It has neat, bright green fleshy leaves which are aromatic when crushed. Tiny white flowers appear in upper leaf axils from spring to early autumn.
The swamp baeckea has the scientific name of Baeckea linifolia. It is another species from eastern Australia. It is a small to medium shrub with pendulous branches and aromatic linear leaves. The leaves turn an attractive bronze shade in winter. It produces tiny white flowers in late summer and autumn. It does best in a well-drained situation.
The short-leafed heath-myrtle (Baeckea brevifolia) is small and bushy. It is endemic to New South Wales where it is found mostly in coastal heath. The tiny, oblong leaves clasp he stems and dainty white or pink flowers are display in spring and summer. It is a good choice for a rock garden or container plant. It will keep a better shape if tip pruned regularly.
In general, the baeckeas like moderately fertile, well-drained soils that are free from lime. They also like full sun or light shade and shelter from drying winds. Once established they do not appreciate being transplanted. To maintain a compact bushy shape, the bushes can be pruned lightly after flowering.
