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ShrubsSynonym
Desfontainia hookeri
spiny desfontainia
A slow-growing, erect, medium-sized evergreen shrub with small, spiny, holly-like dark green leaves and bright scarlet flowers to 4cm in length, the lobes tipped with yellow
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Columelliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Desfontainia are evergreen shrubs with leathery, holly-like, spiny leaves and pendent, solitary tubular flowers in summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Andes
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a lime-free, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a sheltered position in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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