M. FAGG 
Regelia ciliata 
Regelia ciliata is a small ornamental shrub 
which closely resembles Melaleuca and 
Beaufortia. It is included in the large family 
Myrtaceae. Regelia contains five species 
all of which are confined to the south-west 
of Western Australia. 
R. ciliata grows naturally in low-lying 
sand flats which often become water¬ 
logged in winter. However, unlike many 
Western Australian species which do not 
adapt readily in the soils and weather 
patterns of eastern Australia, R. ciliata will 
grow easily in most situations. It has a rigid 
spreading habit, growing to a height of 
1.3 m to 1.5 m across with paper-like bark 
covering the stems. The small heart- 
shaped leaves are appressed to the stems 
and attractively arranged in opposite pairs. 
The grey-green colour of the foliage 
provides a pleasing contrast to the mauve 
flowers which are produced over a pro¬ 
longed period. 
The flowers are borne in dense heads 
20-50 mm across at the ends of short 
branchlets. Individual flowers have 5 
spreading petals and numerous stamens 
which are united into 5 bundles opposite 
the petals. The grey capsular fruits are 
fused together in roughly globular clusters 
around the branches and remain on the 
plant for long periods. 
R. ciliata is extremely hardy and is easily 
propagated from seed orcuttings. The fine 
seed is soon shed if the fruit is placed in 
a paper bag in a warm place. Seed 
germinates readily but plants take a 
number of years to flower. Plants grown 
from cuttings develop quickly and can 
produce flowers the following year. Tip 
cuttings taken in March/April produce 
roots within six weeks. Treat the cuttings 
with a suitable rooting hormone* such as 
IBA (indole butyric acid) 2000 ppm. This 
versatile plant will grow in full sun or 
shade, in damp or dry conditions and will 
withstand poor drainage. It responds well 
to periodic light pruning for shaping and 
to encourage bushiness. Keep the plant 
well mulched and fertilise with a complete 
fertiliser* in spring and autumn. 
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