Favourites: Pimelia physodes |
17 October 2008 4:00 PM
This "Favourite Plant" is contributed by Tony Cavanagh. Thanks, Tony. * * * * *
Pimelia physodes (Qualup Bell) is probably the most sought after of the pimelias, mainly because of the brightly coloured bell-like 'flowers' which in reality are bracts which surround the relatively tiny green-yellow flowers which are inside. It is native to the Ravensthorpe-Fitzgerald National Park area of Western Australia, often growing on rocky sites.  |
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Photos: Tony Cavanagh
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The plant is multi-stemed and up to about 1 metre but is very difficult to keep alive on its own roots so is usually grafted. My plant is about 6 years old and flowers prolifically around August- September; we encourage flowering and bushiness by removing the spent flower heads and doing some pruning every year.
The flowerheads/bracts are large (to about 6 cm by 4 cm),a pale cream-yellow or green initially, changing to various shades of red or purple over time, a feature which makes P. physodes very attractive in spring.
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Photo: Tony Cavanagh
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Pruning is important for another reason - by removing the spent flowerheads, this helps to reduce fungal infections to which the plant can be prone. Grafted plants are less fussy about their soil but it needs to be well drained and they flower best in near full sun.
If you have a plant that you particularly like and that might interest others, why not write a paragraph or two about it for inclusion here as a 'favourite'. If you have a photo to accompany it, so much the better but don't let lack of a photo put you off. If you're interested, drop me an email.
Previous Favourites
Ricinocarpos pinifolius: Wedding bushSenna artemisioides: Silver cassia
Philotheca myoporoides: Long-leaf wax flower
Epacris longiflora
Kangaroo Paw Hybrids
Alloxylon flammeum: Tree waratah
Jacksonia scoparia: Dogwood
Banksia media: Southern plains banksia
Correa 'Mannii'
Myoporum floribundum: Slender myoporum
Hibbertia diffusa: Wedge guinea flower
Callistemon 'Injune'
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