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 pinifolia is a low, spreading shrub up to 0.5 metres high – prostrate forms are known. The grey-green leaves are linear in shape up to 15 mm long by 1mm wide and circular to triangular in cross section.  The small, red flowers are seen mainly in spring but flowering may extend into summer. They appear in clusters at the ends of branches and are very conspicuous.

This species has not been widely cultivated in the past but it is becoming better known.  Like other plants that are native to the south-west of Western Australia, it can be difficult to maintain for a long period, particularly in areas with a humid summer. It requires excellent drainage in a sunny or lightly shaded location.

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.