Darwinia

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Darwinia

These Australian natives were once considered to be very temperamental plants. Today they are much easier to grow as they have been grafted to the hardier understock, Darwinia citriodora.

Plant details

Botanical name: Darwinia lejostyla hybrid ‘Coolamon Pink’
Common name: Darwinia

Description:

This darwinia is a medium sized, vigorously growing native shrub to 1m (3’3") from the Stirling Range and Middle Mount Barren. It has bright lolly-pink bell-shaped flowers which are larger than the normal flower forms and have an exceptionally long flowering season. The foliage is bright green and compact.The species name lejostyla means smooth style. This darwinia was previously known as D. leiostyla.

Likes:

  • full sun to semi-shade
  • good air circulation
  • good drainage
  • cool roots

Dislikes:

  • heavy pruning
  • still, shady and moist areas may encourage grey mould

Tip: when potting up grafted plants be sure to replant them to the right soil height. Level the soil off and give the pot a gentle tap on a tabletop to settle it.

Uses:

  • dried flowers
  • Australian cottage style gardens
  • makes an excellent tub plant

Climate:

Should grow all over Australia as far up as Brisbane. Doesn’t like tropical climates.

Availability:

Plants of Darwinia lejostyla hybrid ‘Coolamon Pink’ are priced between $13-15 for a 150mm (6") pot. These are grafted by Bushgraft in Victoria but may be available from your local native specialist or contact:

Kuranga Native Nursery
393 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood VIC 3134
Phone: (03) 9879 4076 Fax: (03) 9870 7301

Did you know?

Darwinias are not named after botanist Charles Darwin, but after his grandfather, Dr Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802), who was a physician, poet and man of science.

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