Feathery Hop Bush: July 2023 identification

This plant has been bugging me for a couple of years. I purchased it, put it in the ground, and completely failed to note it’s species. I’ve had photos waiting to be posted titled ‘Mystery’. And I’m not posting that – that’s quitter talk.

August 2021:

Such pretty promise.
What’s your family genetics?

May 2022:

Growing happily.

August 2022:

This thing flowers over winter… at least July and August.

July 2023:

The tree itself is pushing 1.5 meters at this stage.
Feathery Hop Bush: July 2023 identification
It’s the start of July, and the flowers are not quite fully formed.
…but some are certainly there.

I *finally* got around to going back to the nursery where I originally purchased it, to see if they could identify it. From the leaves the were thinking a Grevillia, but from the flowers they suggested a hop bush. Which gave me the lead to finally identifies it as a Dodonaea sinuolata, or Feathery Hop Bush, an Australian native. Gardening guides facts:

  • 1 to 3 meters (a shrub, but seems to grow openly enough to look tree-like)
  • well drained soil
  • full sun to dappled shade
  • tolerates moderate frosts
  • pruning friendly.

Also, it turns out I’m lucky to have gotten a female, which is the only one that flowers. Should be a good bonsai.

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