Qualup bell (Pimelea physodes) is native to Western Australia. It features drooping flower heads surrounded by large, cream bracts streaked with red. Although it has great potential for cut flowers, this beautiful plant is very hard to grow. Gardeners who live along the east coast of Australia have found it particularly challenging, because it will not tolerate high humidity. It tends to look lovely for a short time, then it drops dead.
The good news is that qualup bell is now available grafted onto strong understocks. These grafted pimeleas are less susceptible to root disease and are much more reliable, especially when grown in containers.
Further information
Grafted qualup bells are available in limited quantities from specialist native plant nurseries (such as the ones listed below), or order through your local nursery. They will be more readily available in 2004. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for 140mm (6″) pots, and $25-$35 for 200mm (8″) pots.
The Wildflower Place
453 The Entrance Road
Erina Heights NSW
Phone (02) 4365 5510
Fax: (02) 4365 5514
Sydney Wildflower Nursery South
9 Veno Street
Heathcote NSW
Phone (02) 9548 2818
Vaughan