Bonin Island Boobialla Plant Care
Myoporum boninense subsp. australe Chinnock
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Myoporum boninense subsp. australe, the boobialla, is a seaside shrub found in eastern Australia.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bonin Island Boobialla?
Plant Bonin Island Boobialla in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bonin Island Boobialla Native To?
What Is the Bonin Island Boobialla?
Bonin Island Boobialla (Myoporum boninense subsp. australe) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Myoporum genus. Bonin Island Boobialla is native to eastern Australia.
Bonin Island Boobialla displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Bonin Island Boobialla produces small white or pink star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Water a young or newly planted Bonin Island Boobialla every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Bonin Island Boobialla Need?
Bonin Island Boobialla thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bonin Island Boobialla Prefer?
Myoporum boninense subsp. australe tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Bonin Island Boobialla prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bonin Island Boobialla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Feed Bonin Island Boobialla every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Bonin Island Boobialla is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Bonin Island Boobialla can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Prune Bonin Island Boobialla while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Bonin Island Boobialla in Winter?
Bonin Island Boobialla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Bonin Island Boobialla?
Bonin Island Boobialla can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mallee boobialla plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bonin Island Boobialla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bonin Island Boobialla, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bonin Island Boobialla?
Bonin Island Boobialla is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bonin Island Boobialla Need?
Bonin Island Boobialla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Bonin Island Boobialla is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Bonin Island Boobialla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Bonin Island Boobialla is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Myoporum genus — compare its care with other Myoporum species on PlantoScan.
Myoporum is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Bonin Island Boobialla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Myoporum Species
Other Myoporum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Myoporum boninense subsp. australe Chinnock, family Scrophulariaceae (first published in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 15(1): 75. 1992) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bonin Island Boobialla, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
