Geijera

( gay - JEER - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Australian Willow or Wilga, this genus includes species of evergreen shrubs and trees native to tropical and subtropical rainforests in New Guinea, New Caledonia and Australia. Foliage is olive-green and aromatic, and flowers are small, fragrant and creamy white, blooming in early springtime. Australian Willows make great grove, patio, or street trees, and cast a light shade. They have deep, non-invasive roots and minimal litter for clean-up, making them perfect, easy-care additions to any landscape.

Geijera species and varietals

The genus Geijera includes 6 species and is a member of the plant family Rutaceae. The genus was first described by Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott and the genus name honors J.D. Geijer, 17th-century Swedish botanist. Species in the genus generally grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, and 12-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Geijera linearifolia (Oilbush, Sheepbush)
These large shrubs are endemic to southern Australia, and produce linear green leaves and cream to greenish-white flowers. They reach between 3.5 and 9 feet tall when mature, and bloom from August to October in their native range. Fruits follow flowers and contain a single seed.

Geijera parviflora (Wilga, Australian Willow, Native Willow, Sheepbush, Dogwood)
This species of evergreen trees is native to Australia, and need full sun and little to moderate amounts of water to perform well in the garden. They are popular street trees, and look like a cross between a Willow tree and a Eucalyptus tree, with fine-textured foliage and a weeping branching habit. Individual trees can reach 25 to 35 feet tall and just as wide at maturity.

Geijera salicifolia (Glasswood, Green Satinheart, Scrub Wilga, Axe Gapper, Narrow-Leaved Brush Wilga)
This species can grow as a shrub or tree, and is native to Australia, New Guinea, and New Caledonia. This is the type species of the genus. Leaves are elliptic and narrow, and flowers are small and white, blooming in clusters from September through November in the plant's native range. Foliage smells of Lavender when crushed.

Caring for Geijera

The first step in caring for Australian Willows is to plant them in the right spot. They thrive in full sun exposure, but can also tolerate light to partial shade without too many issues. In full sun, they will grow and flower more vigorously, and produce denser foliage. If the climate is particularly warm, it may be beneficial (especially for young trees) to have some late afternoon shade from intense sun rays. These trees and shrubs prefer well-draining soil, and is adaptable to a range of pH levels, but performs best in neutral to slightly acidic soil (with a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0). Ensure that trees have enough space to grow into their planting area; these plants grow relatively quickly, and typically reach between 10 and 15 feet tall and wide. If planting a row of trees, ensure that they are spaced about 6-8 feet apart for best coverage and airflow. Apply a thick layer of mulch around plantings to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperatures. After planting, make sure young trees receive regular waterings to help them establish a strong, healthy root system. Water deeply during warmer weather. Established trees are impressively drought-tolerant, but will still need some supplemental deep waterings during the warmer months of the year. Avoid overwatering these trees, as they will develop issues with root rot. Do not let trees sit in waterlogged soils.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning Australian Willow trees is not always necessary, as they naturally have an attractive form. Prune in late winter or early springtime to remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches, and to lightly shape. If growing Geijera as a shrub, prune lightly throughout the year to control size and encourage a bushier habit. These shrubs and trees are long-lived, surviving for upwards of 40 to 100 years in their natural habitat. In gardens, they live for between 40 and 60 years before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Geijera can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Australian Willow tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Geijera by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Geijera by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. Seeds are contained inside of mature fruits that are ready for harvesting in summertime. They are small green capsules, and will open up when ready to expel seeds away from the parent plant. Harvest as many seeds as you can, and place them in a bag until you are ready to work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home