A classic evergreen tree or large shrub, valued for its glossy, aromatic leaves that are a kitchen staple for flavouring soups, stews, and sauces. It responds well to clipping, making it a popular choice for topiary, standards, or formal hedging as well as a feature tree left to grow naturally. Long-lived and adaptable, it's a hardy performer in Canberra gardens once established, tolerating both heat and cold.
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-draining, enriched with organic matter
Watering: Regular watering while young; more drought-tolerant once established
Habit: Dense, upright growth — responds well to pruning and shaping
Uses: Culinary leaves, topiary, hedging, or feature planting
Hardiness: Tolerates frost and Canberra's cold winters once established
A classic evergreen tree or large shrub, valued for its glossy, aromatic leaves that are a kitchen staple for flavouring soups, stews, and sauces. It responds well to clipping, making it a popular choice for topiary, standards, or formal hedging as well as a feature tree left to grow naturally. Long-lived and adaptable, it's a hardy performer in Canberra gardens once established, tolerating both heat and cold.
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-draining, enriched with organic matter
Watering: Regular watering while young; more drought-tolerant once established
Habit: Dense, upright growth — responds well to pruning and shaping
Uses: Culinary leaves, topiary, hedging, or feature planting
Hardiness: Tolerates frost and Canberra's cold winters once established
