Myoporum (Boobialla)

Myoporum, commonly known as boobialla, is a highly versatile and resilient genus of groundcovers and shrubs beloved by gardeners and landscapers alike. With their ability to thrive in challenging conditions and enhance various landscapes, Myoporum plants are the epitome of beauty and practicality.

Today, we will shine a spotlight on two outstanding cultivars—Ground Hug™ Myoporum insulare and Yareena™ Myoporum parvifolium.

These cultivars exemplify the low-maintenance, adaptable, and ornamental features for which Myoporum is celebrated. Let’s take an in-depth look at their characteristics, growing requirements, and contributions to eco-friendly landscaping.

Understanding Myoporum

The genus Myoporum consists of hardy shrubs and groundcover plants native to Australia and surrounding regions, including New Zealand and the Pacific islands. Myoporum plants are commonly found in coastal areas, arid landscapes, and even alpine zones.

The ability of certain varieties to withstand drought, frost, and coastal conditions makes them a reliable choice for modern landscaping. However, common forms and many cultivated varieties do not live up the drought-tolerant claims, so choosing high performing cultivars is recommended.

Commonly Cultivated Species

Several Myoporum species are widely cultivated for ornamental and functional purposes in gardens and public spaces. These include:

• Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla): A highly versatile species native to southern coastal Australia, commonly used for erosion control and coastal plantings. The species typically grows as a medium to large shrub, reaching heights of up to 3 metres. Its dense foliage, white flowers, and small purple berries make it a valuable plant for stabilising soils and providing habitat for wildlife.
• Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla): A popular groundcover species, this plant spreads rapidly to form a low-growing mat with lush foliage and tubular flowers. Its adaptability and ability to suppress weeds make it a favourite for mass plantings and lawn alternatives.
• Myoporum montanum (Western Boobialla): Found across arid regions of Australia, this species forms a compact shrub, tolerating high heat and limited water availability.

Myoporum Growth Habits

One of the most fascinating aspects of Myoporum is the variation in growth habits between species—and even within a single species due to cultivar development. For instance, the typical Myoporum insulare shrub can grow upright and bushy, reaching substantial heights that make it ideal for hedging or screening.

However, its cultivar Ground Hug™ Myoporum insulare boasts a completely transformed growth habit.

It grows extremely low to the ground, achieving a height of only 100 millimetres while spreading several metres in width. Instead of forming a dense shrub, it creates a sprawling mat of foliage perfect for erosion control and weed suppression.

High Performing Cultivated Varieties

Both Ground Hug™ Myoporum and Yareena™ Myoporum boast unique qualities that make them a better choice for the harsh conditions of urban horticulture.

Ground Hug™

Myoporum insulare ‘MYIN01’ PBR Intended Trade Name Ground Hug™: This game-changing cultivar is known for its ultra-low height and rapid, horizontal growth. Growing only 100mm high (200mm with layering over time) and spreading over 4000mm wide, Ground Hug™ Myoporum provides a dense mat of weed-suppressing foliage.

Small white flowers appear seasonally, followed by edible berries, though the plant’s leaves are toxic. Ground Hug™ is a standout for tough coastal landscapes or wide-ground coverage projects. It recently won the NGIV’s Specialist Plant of the Year.

Yareena™

Myoporum parvifolium ‘PARV01’ PBR Trade Name Yareena™: A drought- and frost-tolerant groundcover, Yareena™ Myoporum features clean, crisp foliage and masses of elegant, white flowers.

With a compact height of just 10cm and a spread of up to 1 metre, Yareena™ Myoporum is a longer-lived variety with thick, woody stems for enhanced durability. It offers aesthetic appeal with practical long-term reliability.

Both cultivars are striking additions to landscapes, offering functional groundcover that remains visually appealing all year long. Also on offer is significant biodiversity support, especially when used in community with other plants that have complementary growth habits and biodiversity resources.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Thanks to their high performing natures, Ground Hug™ Myoporum and Yareena™ Myoporum can thrive in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for gardens across Australia.

Sunlight: Both Ground Hug™ Myoporum and Yareena™ Myoporum grow best in full sun but can tolerate light shade without losing their vigour. Full sunlight encourages denser foliage and prolific flowering.

Soil: These cultivars are remarkably versatile, adapting to sandy, heavy, and even moderately boggy soils. However, avoid planting them in continually waterlogged soils.

Moisture: Once established, both cultivars are highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal irrigation even in dry seasons. Provide regular watering during their first 8–13 weeks to encourage strong root establishment.

Climate: Ground Hug™ Myoporum is frost-resistant down to -5°C and thrives within 100km of coastal areas in regions such as Victoria, SA, WA, Tasmania, and southern NSW. Yareena™ Myoporum is also suited for gardens across NSW, QLD, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, and WA.

Care Tips

Myoporum plants are exceptionally low-maintenance, making them ideal for time-conscious gardeners. A little periodic attention is all they need to stay neat and healthy.

Pruning: Ground Hug™ Myoporum requires annual edge pruning to maintain its tidy appearance, with aggressive pruning every 4–5 years, if needed, to control height. Avoid pruning in winter and summer. Yareena™ Myoporum requires pruning once every one to two years to keep its compact form.

Fertilising: Feed both cultivars with a slow-release native fertiliser in spring to boost growth and flowering.

Mulching: Spread chunky mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Ensure mulch doesn’t touch the base of the plant to prevent fungal issues.

Watering: After establishment, both cultivars only need occasional watering during extended dry periods, making them highly waterwise choices.

Uses in Landscaping

Ground Hug™ Myoporum and Yareena™ Myoporum are some of the most functionally versatile and visually appealing plants available for Australian landscapes. Their unique growth habits and resilience allow for numerous applications.

Groundcovers: Ground Hug™ Myoporum is ideal for covering wide areas with uniform, dense foliage. Its horizontal spread ensures effective weed suppression, while Yareena™ works wonderfully as a more compact groundcover for smaller spaces or decorative uses.

Erosion Control: Ground Hug™ Myoporum stabilises soil on slopes or areas prone to erosion, thanks to its extensive and dense above-ground foliage as well as its roots. Yareena™ Myoporum does help with erosion, but the amount of foliage does not compete with Ground Hug™ Myoporum for soil protection.

Coastal Landscaping: Both Myoporum cultivars are excellent choices for seaside regions, resisting both salty air and strong winds.

Low Maintenance Gardens: Due to their minimal pruning and water requirements, these cultivars shine in low-care landscapes, including public gardens, roadsides, and private backyards. Keep in mind they’ll continue to grow and grow, so they may encroach on lawns and garden spaces if you don’t prune them now and then.

Pathway Borders: Ground Hug™ Myoporum offers one of the best low-growing options for maintaining clear lines of sight along pathways and roadsides.

Decorative Features: The crisp foliage and delicate flowers of both cultivars enhance the aesthetic appeal of mass plantings, rockeries, and rain gardens. Yareena™ Myoporum has showier flowers, while Ground Hug™ Myoporum has denser, lusher green foliage.

Environmental Benefits

These Myoporum cultivars not only look good but also benefit local ecosystems and reduce the need for resource-intensive gardening.

Wildlife Support: The flowers of both Ground Hug™ and Yareena™ Myoporum attract pollinators, including bees, while providing habitat for small insects.

Erosion Prevention: Ground Hug™ Myoporum’s fast-spreading habit and Yareena™ Myoporum’s compact mat covering effectively protect soils from erosion, making them valuable in areas with challenging topography.

Water Efficiency: Once established, these cultivars thrive on minimal water, making them perfect for waterwise gardens in regions with dry climates.

Carbon Sequestration: Dense, fast-growing groundcovers like Ground Hug™ contribute to carbon capture in urban and suburban landscapes.

Daniel’s Wrap

Hopefully that gives you an insight into the genus of Myoporum, some cultivation tips, and a couple of recommendations for the best cultivated varieties available in Australia.

Whether used for large-scale erosion control, compact garden accents, or coastal plantings, Ground Hug™ Myoporum and Yareena™ Myoporum continue to set the standard for adaptable and practical groundcovers.