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.
Botanical name: Darwinia lejostyla hybrid ‘Coolamon Pink’
Common name: Darwinia
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.
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.
Should grow all over Australia as far up as Brisbane. Doesn’t like tropical climates.
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
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.