Lambertia Plant Profile
Lambertia are a group of small shrubs or trees all but one are from the south of Western Australia, Lambertia are sometimes known as ‘Wild Honeysuckle’. However they are in fact related to Proteas.
It is Lambertia formosa from New South Wales that is found in gardens, this Lambertia will grow to 2ms and can be pruned, it is sometimes known as the ‘Mountain Devil’ due to its twin horned fruit. Foliage is elongated and stiff with a pronounced sharp tip. Flowering from winter through to spring it adds interest to the garden during winter as well as attracting birds and insects to the garden. Very attractive to Honeyeaters which in itself makes the plant worth considering.
Lambertia formosa has attractive red flowers with spurs and requires a moist well drained soil. Young plants can be a little disappointing to gardeners as they take time to settle in and it is not uncommon for a plant to take 5 years to flower.
Not widely grown in gardens Lambertia species are mostly from Western Australia with the exception of Lambertia formosa. Flowers are attractive to butterflies and birds.
Care
Most species require a well drained soil and grow well in part shade, in particular with protection from afternoon sun. L. formosa is frost tolerant and a good garden plant.
Propagation.
Propagation is from seed or by cuttings. Both methods are slow and problematical. Cuttings are best taken from the current seasons growth of wood that has just commenced to harden a little.