A native of southeastern Australia, this Christmas bush is a small tree or tall shrub that has bright carmine red flowers at Christmas time in its native land. Like poinsettas, each “flower” is actually the calyx that enlarges and takes on the role of colorful petals. The plant grows in open forests and rainforests but have been used in gardens for many years and several good cultivars are available that vary in leaf color or size and color of the “flowers”. The “flowers” and foliage are also popular as cut flowers. Because plants vary greatly in the color intensity of the “flowers” they are usually propagated by cuttings rather than seed.
Type: Small tree or tall shrub
Outstanding Feature: “Flower” color at Christmas in southern hemisphere
Form: Rounded when young becoming pyramidal when mature
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom: Clusters of inconspicuous white flowers appear in October; as petals fade, the calyx slowly enlarges and turns carmine red by December, lasting until April.
Size: 15-30’ H
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
Fertilizer: Slow release fertilizer annually
Hardiness: Zones 9-11
Care: Prune to shape
Pests and Diseases: Root rot can be a problem if soil is not well-drained.
Propagation: Seeds; cuttings.
Karen Meyers