About Boronia ledifolia (Vent.) DC.
Boronia ledifolia (Vent.) DC. is an evergreen shrub that grows between 0.3 and 2.5 metres (1 to 8 feet) tall. Its thinnest branches are covered in fine, matted hairs. Leaves of this species are most often simple, but may also be pinnate with between three and seven leaflets. Leaves or individual leaflets are narrow elliptic or oblong, measuring 3–43 mm (0.1–2 in) long and 1–7 mm (0.04–0.3 in) wide. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface is a lighter green with a thin layer of matted hairs and a clearly visible distinct mid-vein.
Flowers of Boronia ledifolia range from pale to bright pink, and are very rarely white. The flowers are arranged in groups that grow from leaf axils, with groups containing up to 35 flowers, but most often holding 3 to 6. The entire flower group grows from a peduncle 1–10 mm (0.04–0.4 in) long, and each individual flower sits on a separate stalk an additional 6–11 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long. Sepals are egg-shaped to triangular, 3–4.5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long, and the four petals are 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) long. Flowering takes place in spring and early summer, and is followed by a fruit that is a follicle, 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long.
This boronia is primarily found south of Scone, Australia, though there are isolated disjunct populations in the Torrington and Bolivia Hill districts. It is rare in Victoria, where it only grows in parts of the Gippsland district. It most commonly grows in nutrient-poor soils overlying sandstone or granite, in heath and forest habitats.
Most boronia species, including this one, are sensitive to dieback and tend to be short-lived when grown in cultivation. Boronia ledifolia requires a sunny location with moist, well-drained soil to grow well in cultivation.
