Pink Paper Bells · Yanchep Bells · Large-flowered Guichenotia
Guichenotia macrantha is a striking Australian native shrub prized for its large, lantern-shaped pink to mauve flowersand attractive foliage. Native to the south-west of Western Australia, it is the largest-flowered species in the Guichenotia genus and widely regarded as the most suitable for general garden use.
Despite its beauty, this plant remains underused in landscaping. It performs exceptionally well in native gardens, rockeries, and low-water landscapes, providing long seasonal interest from winter through early summer.
Quick Reference Summary
- Botanical name: Guichenotia macrantha
- Common names: Pink Paper Bells, Yanchep Bells, Large-flowered Guichenotia
- Family: Malvaceae
- Genus: Guichenotia
- Species: macrantha
- Origin: Western Australia
- Related genera: Thomasia
- Height & spread: ~1 m x 1 m
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Low once established
- Flowering: Winter to early summer
- Frost tolerance: Light frost
- Drought tolerance: Yes (once established)
Plant Characteristics
- Plant type: Small evergreen shrub
- Growth habit: Upright to rounded
- Height: 0.8–1.2 metres
- Spread: 0.8–1 metre
How To Grow Guichenotia macrantha
Guichenotia are a drought tolerant plant, but do need some protection from frosts.
Although they naturally grow in poor soils, they will perform better in a free draining soil with some added compost or other organic matter.
Plants need to be firmed in to the same level they were in the pot, watered in with a liquid seaweed fertilizer and get some extra moisture through the first summer.
At no time should the soil be allowed to become soggy.
Growing Requirements
Sun
- Full sun to light shade
- Best flowering occurs in full sun
Soil
- Free-draining soil is essential
- Tolerates poor or sandy soils
- Performs better with added organic matter (compost or native soil mix)
Water
- Low water needs once established
- Regular watering during establishment (first summer)
- Avoid waterlogged or soggy soils at all times
How to Plant & Establish
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot
- Firm soil gently around roots
- Water in thoroughly with a liquid seaweed or root stimulant
- Provide extra moisture during the first summer only
Grower Notes & Tips
- Excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance native shrubs
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Mulch lightly, keeping mulch away from the stem
- Avoid phosphorus-rich fertilisers; use native plant fertiliser if needed
Problems & Considerations
- Pests: Generally pest-free
- Diseases: Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils
- Toxicity: No known toxicity to pets or humans
- Invasiveness: Not invasive
- Main risk: Overwatering and heavy clay soils
Landscaping & Garden Uses
- Rockeries and raised garden beds
- Native and water-wise gardens
- Feature shrub for winter interest
- Low informal hedging
- Cut flowers and floral arrangements
- Pollinator-friendly (attracts native insects)
Propagation
- Best method: Seed propagation
- Seed capsules are woody and open quickly when mature
- To collect seed, enclose capsules in a paper bag before they split to prevent seed loss
Other Guichenotia species
- G. micrantha is a smaller flowering species. In botanical terms, macrantha means large flowers, micrantha means small flowers.
- G. ledifolia is another of the species worth exploring, a more compact and denser species than others.
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