General Description:

Darwinia is a genus of about 70 species which are found only in Australia. The majority are found in the south of Western Australia.

Darwinia oldlfieldii is a small, spreading shrub 0.15-0.5 metres high. Its small, oblong leaves are typically 2-6 mm long with recurved margins and are grey-green in colour. The small flowers occur in clusters of up to 12 at the ends of branches. They are initially green and age to deep pink or red. Flowering occurs in late winter and spring.

This is a very ornamental plant which has been grown by enthusiasts for many years. However, like other plants that are native to the south-west of Western Australia, it can be difficult to maintain in garden conditions for extended periods, particularly in areas with a humid summer. It requires excellent drainage in a sunny or lightly shaded location and would make an excellent container plant.

Seed of Darwinia species, generally, is not easy to germinate. The species can, however, be grown fairly easily from cuttings of hardened, current season’s growth.