Guitar Plant (Lomatia tinctoria)
$39.95 – $49.95Price range: $39.95 through $49.95
Ships nationally. Direct TAS supply available (minimums apply). WA/NT via Plant Concierge.
- Mainland Exclusive 'Compacta'
- Ultimate Pollinator Magnet
- Prestigious TAS Provenance
- Estate Seed & Island Sourced
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The Premier Mainland Source for Lomatia tinctoria
The Guitar Plant (Lomatia tinctoria) is a highly sought-after Tasmanian endemic that is exceptionally difficult to source on the mainland. At Sequoia Valley Farms, we don’t just supply this Gondwanan treasure; we dominate its cultivation. We proudly offer two distinct variations: the standard, beautifully spreading species, and our mainland-exclusive ‘Compacta’ cultivar—a hyper-local, fastigiate (upright) coastal form from Southern Tasmania that we were the very first to introduce to mainland collectors. Our robust 140mm specimens stand 45–60cm tall, sourced directly from our prestigious island network and supplemented by our own in-house 2025 seed harvest. Whether you are adding a dazzling, fragrant feature to your native garden or require a large volume for a commercial landscape project facilitated through our elite Tasmanian connections, SVF is the undisputed authority on this magnificent native shrub.
Pot Size: 140mm
Est. Height: 45–60cm (Measured from the base of the pot)
Mature Size: 1.5m to 2m tall
Growth Habit: Standard (Open/Spreading) OR Compacta (Fastigiate/Upright)
Style: Fragrant Native Gardens / Pollinator Habitats / Cool-Climate Features
A TALE OF TWO FORMS*
*Please select your desired form at checkout. The standard Lomatia tinctoria develops into an open, spreading shrub. The ‘Compacta’ is a rare, upright (fastigiate) coastal mutation with slightly different foliage that is often mistaken by native enthusiasts for a young Celery Top Pine!
The Lomatia tinctoria is an absolute showstopper. Endemic to Tasmania and belonging to the Proteaceae family, it earns its common name, the Guitar Plant, from the unique shape of its woody seed pods. But it is the floral display that truly defines this species. In summer, it erupts into a profusion of spidery, white-to-cream flowers that emit a gorgeous, heavy fragrance, turning the plant into an absolute frenzy of activity for native bees and birds.
Incredibly rare to find in mainland nurseries, SVF has spent years securing a reliable pipeline for this species. It is a highly resilient shrub once established, boasting excellent frost tolerance and adaptability to a wide range of soil types. Whether you want to buy the standard Guitar Plant for a sprawling native bed, or secure the ultra-rare ‘Compacta’ form for a tight, architectural space, this is a premium Gondwanan addition to any cool-climate landscape.
- A Pollinator Frenzy: The deeply fragrant summer flowers are a magnet for local biodiversity, attracting native bees, insects, and nectar-feeding birds.
- Unique 'Compacta' Form: Secure the rare upright variation. Its unique foliage and fastigiate habit provide an incredible architectural element for tight spaces.
- Tasmanian Tough: Being endemic to Tasmania, it is highly frost-hardy and perfectly adapted to the cool-climate regions of the Australian mainland.
- Ornamental Seed Pods: After the spectacular floral display finishes, the plant produces highly ornamental, guitar-shaped seed pods that add lasting winter interest.
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What is the difference between the Standard and Compacta forms?
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Can I order these directly if I live in Tasmania?
Can you supply large quantities for a landscape project?
Detailed Description and Specs
The Guitar Plant (Lomatia tinctoria) is a stunning, evergreen shrub endemic to Tasmania, belonging to the Proteaceae family. It is highly prized by collectors and native garden enthusiasts for its brilliant floral display and adaptability.
In summer, it produces striking racemes of spidery, cream-to-white flowers that carry a heavy, sweet fragrance, making it a critical asset for native pollinators. Following the flowers, it develops intriguing, woody seed follicles that resemble the shape of a guitar. Foliage is highly variable; the standard species features deeply divided, fern-like green leaves on a spreading frame, while our exclusive ‘Compacta’ cultivar boasts a tighter, upright habit with foliage that closely mimics the Celery Top Pine.
- Species: Lomatia tinctoria (Guitar Plant)
- Varieties Available: Standard (Spreading) & ‘Compacta’ (Upright/Fastigiate).
- Foliage: Deep green, pinnate, and highly variable.
- Flowers: Heavily fragrant, spidery white/cream summer blooms.
- Best For: Sensory gardens, native pollinator habitats, and rare plant collections.
Care and Planting Guide
The Guitar Plant is an excellent, hardy addition to cool and temperate gardens.
- Sunlight & Location: Highly adaptable. It will flower most prolifically in full sun, but it also performs beautifully as an understory shrub in dappled or partial shade.
- Soil & Drainage: Like most members of the Proteaceae family, it requires well-draining soil. It is adaptable to sandy and loamy soils but will suffer in heavy, boggy clay. Avoid fertilisers high in phosphorus.
- Watering: Water regularly during its first year to establish the root system. Once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant but appreciates a deep watering during prolonged dry summer spells.
- Pruning: Responds well to light pruning after flowering to maintain a dense shape, though the ‘Compacta’ form naturally maintains a tight, upright habit.
Shipping and Delivery
Standard 140mm Stock – Eastern States
Our rare Lomatia tinctoria specimens are shipped securely via our premium plant freight network across NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, and SA.
Tasmania (TAS) – Direct Island Supply
We can proudly supply our Tasmanian customers directly from our elite local grower network, ensuring fast delivery and zero mainland delays. Please note: A minimum order quantity applies to qualify for direct TAS supply.
Western Australia & Northern Territory (WA & NT)
Orders to WA and NT must be processed safely through our Plant Concierge for mandatory biosecurity treatments prior to dispatch (subject to species permissibility in your state).
Plant the Tasmanian Exclusive
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