Myporum voscosum and Acacia accinacea are particularly susceptible to this, although it is not a disease process rather a characteristic of the species. The only way to prevent it is regular pruning during the growing season and not allowing the plant to reach its mature size. Occassionally it is necessary to cut them back to their stumps and allow them to re-grow.

Hello Indus, I have a Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpus pinifolius) growing (Toowoomba district). I was taken aback by Agnes'statement that it was a WA native, because I first saw it in its full magnificent bloom on North Stradbroke Island some years ago. So I did a web search and the following statement comes from the SGAP article attached below: "Ricinocarpos is a genus of about 15 species, occurring in all States with one also found in New Caledonia." Mine has somewhat brittle branches that have on a couple of occasions been broken off by passers-by (I grow it just inside the front fence). I suspect that if grown as a hedge to resist a strong wind, it might suffer a little. The strong beautifully honey-scented flowers remind me of Tasmania's leatherwood honey. I was looking at it today and the buds are starting to form in spite of the drought. I also have Grevillea olivacei - as the name suggests, the foliage is olive-cloured - quite attractive, a strong vigorous grower that I have pruned a few times to keep it to the height I want. It forms a very good dense screen and has apricot-coloured flowers. I think it would probably be a better choice that the Wedding Bush for a hedge, and is also fast-growing. I also support Dee's recommendation for choosing one of the many varieties of Acmena smithii. I have a variety called "Hot Flush". A tree to consider is Lemon-scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) a beautiful densely-foliaged tree that would be easily pruned into a hedge (I have thought of using it as a hedge but am too lazy to consider pruning it, so it would grow taller than what you want unpruned). Similar statements would apply as for the Backhousia for what used to be called Pittosporum rhombifolium (no longer a Pittosporum, but can't remember the new name) and any number of species of Bottle Brush (Callistemon). Have fun choosing. Cheers, Frank Here is a link that might be useful: Wedding Bush

I don't know about that specific Westringia. I have certainly killed some old Westringias by pruning hard, but perhaps the story would have been different had I watered them more thoroughly at the time. Since then I have been careful to train my Westringias up to be pruned by frequent pruning from an early age, so that I never feel the need to cut back below the foliage. They make such lovely dense plants. I don't know what the lifespan of well-cared for Westringias is. 20 years, maybe? Could it just be time to start again with new plants? I'll be interested to hear what others have to say on this one. Trish

Anyone in the Palm Coast - St. Augustine, Florida area who would like to trade plants and cuttings? Just planted dwarf tibuchinas in my partial shade garden. Found them at Home Depot, nice size! Already filled out and blooming like crazy! I've got some lovely purple and yellow bearded isises, Devil's backbone, elephant ear, purple pothos, gorgrous red and yellow tall cannas, Looking for angel trumpet/Brugmansias, - want it badlly! Plumbago, gingers. Full shade and full sun perennials . BLUE GIRL and Angel Face ROSE.. Please contact at Rhonda9080@yahoo.com :)