Botanical Name
Darwinia macrostegia
Common Name
Mondurup Bell
Description
Darwinia macrostegia is a compact shrub with a dense, upright habit and fine branchlets bearing small, elliptical leaves. Flowering occurs from spring to early summer, with bell-shaped flowers that are red with white blotches, held in clusters at the ends of the branches. The striking floral display and tidy form make it well suited to feature planting, rockeries and containers.
Plant Category
Small Shrubs
Size (H x W)
0.5-1 m × 0.5-1 m
Habitat
Darwinia macrostegia occurs naturally in south-west Western Australia, mainly in the Stirling Range area, where it grows in sandy or gravelly soils over laterite in open heath and shrubland. These habitats are well-drained, low in nutrients and experience dry summers and cool, wet winters. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soils in a sunny to lightly sheltered position with good air circulation. Grafted plants are more adaptable to a wider range of soil types. Once established it tolerates dry conditions; avoid waterlogging and high-phosphorus fertilisers, and light pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact, well-shaped habit.
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