Desfontainia Spinosa

Description

This astonishing and extremely rare plant has pointed, evergreen leaves that look and feel just like holly. But surprisingly, this is no relation! Even plant geeks are astounded when long fat buds burst open into a dazzling display of flamboyant, waxy, tubular red and orange flowers, the fiery display continuing into late autumn! This valuable plant from cold southern Chile, will make a beautiful, slow-growing, long-lived shrub for a sheltered spot in your garden, and like so many plants from the high Andes is unexpectedly hardy. It is rarely seen in cultivation, and very few seeds are ever set or collected. We have been extremely lucky to have acquired these, and consequently have a very limited supply.

Sowing Advice

Seeds have already been thoroughly cleaned and cold-stored for several months. Sow into well-drained, sandy compost at any time of year, cover to their own depth with sand or grit. No artificial heat is needed; seed tray is best left in a cool protected spot and kept moist. Seeds usually germinate in spring, regardless of when sown.

Key Facts