Australian Cultivar Registration Authority

Description: Leptospermum ‘Horizontalis’
Photographer:

Leptospermum continentale 'Horizontalis'

File Number

372

ACRA Field Book Number

-

Registration Date

20/10/1989

Application Received

01/11/1985

Family

Myrtaceae

Cultivar Name

Leptospermum continentale 'Horizontalis'

Origin

Leptospermum 'Horizontalis' is a form of L. continentale collected from heathland near Portland, Victoria in 1967. The selection was made by Austraflora Nurseries of Montrose. The name refers to the low-growing "flat-topped" habit of the shrub. The cultivar was first received by the Authority in November 1985. Registration was applied for by Austraflora Nurseries Pty Ltd.

Characteristics

This selection grows from 0.9 to 1.2m tall by 2-3m wide. It has a very dense habit. The foliage is a dull green in colour. The flowers are white and from 15-20mm across. The flowering season is spring. Diagnosis: Leptospermum 'Horizontalis' differs from the more typical form of the species by its low spreading habit. The typical form is upright. The leaf width of 4mm is generally broader than typical L. continentale (ca. 2mm). Other notes: According to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants a cultivar name published on or after the 1st January 1959 must not be in latin form (Article 27A). However, this cultivar has been widely grown and promoted under the name 'Horizontalis'. It would create confusion if such a well-known and widely grown cultivar was renamed at this stage and would appear reasonable to retain the name most commonly used in the horticultural industry.

Cultivation

It is highly probable that material of this selection has been collected on a number of occasions by different people. Collections could also have been made from different localities. L. continentale 'Horizontalis' was released by Austraflora Nursery in 1968 under the name L. juniperinum 'Horizontalis'. This form has often been confused with L. scoparium. It has also been sold under the name Leptospermum 'Portlandii' (Wrigley & Fagg in "Australian Native Plants" 1979 page 247) Leptospermum 'Horizontalis' is a desirable garden plant, especially when used as a taller ground covering species. It is hardy in most soils and aspects, and is drought hardy and frost tolerant. It can be used for cut flowers and foliage. Propagation must be by vegetative means to preserve the cultivar form. The cultivar is attractive to seed eating birds.

Publication

Australian Cultivar Registration Authority (1993), Australian Plant Cultivars. Australian Plants 17(134): 58

Colour Coding

N/A

Propagation

Cuttings

Applicant Name

Austraflora Nursery

Uses

As part of a mass planting or mixed in a shrubbery, or as a feature plant.

Availability

Specialist native plant nurseries

ANBG Accession Numbers

ACC372. ANBG 3095

NSL ID

-