Xanthostemon verticillatus ‘Little Penda’ | 42mm Tube

Xanthostemon verticillatus ‘Little Penda’ is a dense Australian native rainforest shrub with glossy dark-green foliage, reddish new growth and clusters of creamy-yellow flowers during the warmer months. Its compact growth and nectar-rich flowers make it an attractive choice for native, tropical and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Key Features

• Dense evergreen native shrub
• Glossy dark-green foliage
• Attractive reddish new growth
• Creamy-yellow clustered flowers
• Flowers during the warmer months
• Attracts honeyeaters, lorikeets, bees and other pollinators
• Suitable for hedging, feature planting and containers
• Can tolerate seasonally moist soil with good drainage
• Native to northern Queensland

Suitable Uses

• Feature planting
• Flowering hedges
• Native gardens
• Tropical and subtropical gardens
• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Poolside and courtyard planting
• Pots and large containers
• Seasonally moist garden areas

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Xanthostemon verticillatus ‘Little Penda’
• Common name: Little Penda
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Plant type: Evergreen native shrub
• Typical garden height: Approximately 1–2m
• Potential height: Approximately 2–4m in favourable tropical conditions
• Mature width: Approximately 1–2m
• Growth rate: Slow to moderate
• Growth habit: Dense and bushy
• Foliage: Glossy dark green with reddish new growth
• Flower colour: Creamy yellow
• Flowering period: During the warmer months
• Position: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, fertile and free-draining
• Climate: Best in warm, humid and frost-free conditions
• Water needs: Regular while establishing and during dry periods
• Origin: Northern Queensland
• Supplied as: One young plant in a 42mm-wide × 80mm-high tube pot

Final size will vary with climate, soil, water availability and pruning. Plants may grow taller in warm tropical areas.

Planting and Care

Plant in full sun to part shade in fertile, free-draining soil. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks and maintain moisture during prolonged dry periods.

Apply organic mulch around the root zone while keeping it clear of the stem. Protect young plants from frost, strong cold winds and extended drought.

Prune lightly as required to maintain a dense shape. Avoid heavy pruning until the young plant is well established.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large will Little Penda grow?
It commonly remains around 1–2m in domestic gardens but may reach approximately 2–4m in favourable tropical conditions.

What colour are the flowers?
The flowers form fluffy clusters in creamy-yellow to pale-yellow shades.

When does it flower?
Flowering generally occurs during the warmer months, although timing and frequency will vary with climate and plant maturity.

Does it attract wildlife?
Yes. Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, lorikeets, bees and other pollinating wildlife.

Can it be used as a hedge?
Yes. Its dense growth makes it suitable for informal flowering hedges and low privacy screens.

Can it grow in a pot?
Yes. It can be grown in a large container with quality free-draining potting mix and regular watering.

Can it tolerate frost?
It prefers frost-free conditions. Protect young plants from frost and grow them in a sheltered position in cooler climates.

Is this a mature flowering plant?
No. You will receive one young plant in a 42mm-wide × 80mm-high tube pot. It will require time to establish before flowering.

Please Note

Stock images are used for illustrative purposes only and do not show the exact plant supplied. You will receive one young plant in a 42mm tube pot. Plant size, shape, foliage, flowering and seasonal appearance will vary naturally.