Zieria cytisoides, commonly known as Downy Zieria, is a bushy shrub endemic to the coastal and sub-coastal regions of eastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, with branches covered in velvety hairs. The trifoliate leaves are composed of three leaflets, each with soft hairs on both surfaces, giving the plant a downy texture. From late winter to spring, Downy Zieria produces pale to deep pink flowers that appear in clusters of 3 to 30 in the leaf axils, which are moderately showy and attract various pollinators.

Downy Zieria is valued for its hardiness and the soft, textured foliage that adds interest to gardens. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a border shrub, or for informal screening due to its dense growth habit. This shrub thrives in well-drained soils, tolerating both full sun and part shade, making it versatile for different garden settings. It is also drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance. Downy Zieria is easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to share and spread this attractive native shrub. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0