PLEASE NOTE THE PHOTOS HAVE COME OUT A BIT BLUE - THE TRUE COLOUR IS A BIT MORE OF A PURPLY.
'Hardiness combined with elegance' by Peter Green
This is one of the longest colourful flowering and toughest shrubs ever. Not jus as a native, but as a shrub in general.
They originate from the drier regions of WA and grow rapidly to around 2 metres in height with a similar spread. They do well in Melbourne and will survive in all soil types although they prefer good drainage. They prefer full sun, although at least 4 hours a day of sun will be enough.
Even though the flowers don't last long, they keep on produucing new ones in abundance for most of the year, in colours of mauve, pink and white. They are at their best in Spring and Autumn.
Pruning hard in mid to late summer is necessary to stop them going woody. Alternatively, if used as a hedge, prune moderately several times a year.
Being an extremely tough plant they can withstand long periods without being watered - even in summer.
They don't need to be fertilised, although I have found rhat a small amount of blood & bone and potash is beneficial.
I really like the look of this shrub bet need 2.5mtres height, description says 2mtres, does anyone know if they grow higher and how long they take?
Posted by: Lynda Zollo | October 09, 2010 at 12:52 PM