Darwinia species are found from Western Australia through South Australia as well as into Victoria and New South Wales, and are grown for the colourful flowers.
Some varieties have attractive large and colorful ‘Bell Like ‘ flowers and the name of Mountain Bells is commonly applied.
Others are smaller flowered and not widely offered . With over 70 species identified only a few are available.Many species have bell shaped flowers and the name of Mountain Bells is commonly applied.
They do make excellent garden plants and many have outstanding flowers.More often the grafted types are better in landscaping as they have more tolerant root systems.
All species require good drainage and all flower best in full sun.
Many species have bell shaped flowers and the name of Mountain Bells is commonly applied.
Although Darwinia can be a little tricky to grow from seed, that can be grown from cuttings and it is the grafted varieties that are best suited to garden use.
The vary in form from low growing prostrate forms to more erect shrubs. Darwinia citriodora ‘Seaspray’ and Darwinia virescens (Murchison Darwinia) are low growing examples, while Darwinia meeboldii (Cranbrook Bell) is one of the taller types.
Landscaping Uses
Many species are grown for the showy flowers, suited to native gardens as well as container growing.
Some such as D.citrodora which is commonly called the ‘Lemon Scented Darwinia’ are also suited for growing as low hedging plants.
Planting Grafted Darwinia Species
Usually grated varieties are grafted very close to ground level, so care needs to taken not to bury the graft itself. Darwinia macrostegia (Mondurup Bell) is one of the most commonly available grafted varieties and the Phillip Vaughan variety ‘Stripey’ is a standout.
- Choose a sunny position and a well drained soil.
- Many species will grow better in a little light shade with good filtered afternoon light.
- Make sure that the position receives good air movement to lower humidity.
- Plant your Darwinia on a small mound to raise the graft.
- Water through the first summer.
- Never overwater.
Darwinia species and Cultivars
- D.macrostegia – Brilliant flowers red and white striped and the plant is often called the ‘Mondurup Bell’. Weeping shrub to around 1m.
- D.meeboldii – Also known as the ‘Cranbrook Bell’, white and red flowers, bell shaped on a bushy shrup to 3m in height.
- D.purpurea – Deep red to purple flowers, usually more red. Low growing spreading shrub to 1m.
- D. oxylepis – Attractive red flowers, on a bushy shrub to 1.5m in height.
- D. citriodora – Known as the Lemon Scented Darwinia, for the fragrant foliage. Small rosey red flowers. Both upright and prostrate forms are available.
- D. carnea – From Western Australia with very attractive green bell shaped flowers flushed with red, some cultivars have bright red flowers
