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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Rutaceae (Citrus) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Flower Color: Orange |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Diplolaena dampieri 'Feather Duster' (Southern Diplolaena) - A small dense shrub to 3-5 feet tall by an equal spread with aromatic 1 1/2" long oblong leaves that are a dark olive green above. The underside of the leaves as well as the stems, new leaf and flower buds are densely tomentose with white hairs. In late winter to early spring appear the interesting and unique orange flowers that are displayed on the branch tips. The flowers of Diplolaena have a double row of pale green bracts which surrounds the flowers and gives this plant its name; 'diploos' for "double" and 'chlaina' for "cloak". From these bracts emerge 5 pale bract-like petals and fiery 1 inch long orange stamens. This shrub from Western Australia is showy and also quite neat and adaptable. Plant in full sun to open shade in a well-drained soil. Reportedly grew well along the coast in fairly dry conditions or with more regular water and is hardy to at least 25° F. Tolerates hard shearing and can be used as a small dense screen. This selection of this Western Australia native, which comes from the coastal dune areas north of Cape Leeuwin, was under evaluation by the UCSC Koala Blooms Program beginning in 2006. It seemed to be a good garden plant but had difficulty in summer heat away from the coast and the plant has since been dropped from the program.
The information about Diplolaena dampieri 'Feather Duster' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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