Plant of the Month - Golden Penda Xanthostemon Chrysanthus

Another favourite plant of native bees is the Golden Penda. It thrives in many conditions and can be grown in subtropical and temperate areas. This means it can be grown pretty much anywhere our bees naturally occur. It’s a great backyard or verge tree as it can be pruned to a small size but can also be left to grow to a larger form if space is available. There is even a dwarf variety called “Little Penda” that can be kept at fence level.

Because of its versatility, it is commonly used as a windbreak, for screening, or as a hedge and can be shaped accordingly. It’s a fast-growing Aussie native that is super attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds. It has beautiful yellow flowers that appear in summer, autumn, and sometimes even in winter, as we have seen this year in the Northern Rivers.

Like many Native plants, Golden Pendas respond well to pruning and do not require any special fertilisers. It’s a great low-maintenance plant that does not have many pest or disease worries. It is quite an attractive tree even when not flowering, due to its glossy green foliage.

Keep a look out in your neighbourhood for the yellow flowers and Head to your local native nursery to get yourself another great native plant for your backyard.