This beautiful plant belongs to that class of Australian shrubs that for years were called New Holland plants, of which the pimelia is another well-known member, and there are many more. With us they are seldom seen in commercial places, but they are fine, interesting plants and are not difficult to grow. In Europe the long sprays of eriostemon are much valued for cut flowers, but with us that would not pay.

The leaves are small, and the flowers, which are mostly white and pink, are borne in great profusion. All the species flower in March, April, May or June. As small plants they are not attractive, but when of a good size, and slightly trained to stakes, they are fine ornamental plants. Like most hard-wooded shrubs, they root freely from the young growths in spring.

Though coming from Australia these shrubs want by no means a tropical temperature. They are much the best plunged out of doors in summer, and in the winter 40 to 45 degrees will suit them. As with the acacia, metrosideros, pimelia and all that class, a good turfy loam with some rotten manure or leaf-mold will grow them. As they will remain several years in the same pot they should be well drained.

There are many species, and Nicholson selects the following as being the most desirable: E. buxifolius, pink, April to June; E. intermedius, white and pink, April; E. neriifolius, rose, April; E. salicifolius, pink, June; E. scaber, white tinged pink, April and May.