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(Lambertia formosa)
Mountain Devil (Lambertia formosa)
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ronavery
CC BY 4.0
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: ronavery | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: ronavery | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-18T07:35:04-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lambertia formosa, commonly known as Mountain Devil, is an evergreen shrub native to the sandy soils and heathland of the coastal and mountain regions of New South Wales, Australia. It typically grows to around 2 meters (7 feet) in height and features a woody base known as a lignotuber, which allows it to resprout after bushfires. The plant has stiff, narrow leaves and is notable for its striking pink to red flowerheads, each composed of seven individual tubular flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are quite showy and are followed by distinctive horned woody follicles, which resemble a devil’s head and give the plant its common name.
Mountain Devil is valued for its unique appearance, bird-attracting flowers, and adaptability to a range of soil types. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a feature shrub in mixed borders, and for habitat restoration projects. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Regular pruning maintains its shape and promotes vigorous growth. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may be affected by scale insects. Propagation is typically done from seed or cuttings, with seeds germinating within 25 to 60 days and firm young growth providing the best cutting material. Fertilization is usually unnecessary, but if needed, a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer can be applied. Lambertia formosa is frost-hardy and can be grown in temperate to subtropical climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Devil is valued for its unique appearance, bird-attracting flowers, and adaptability to a range of soil types. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a feature shrub in mixed borders, and for habitat restoration projects. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Regular pruning maintains its shape and promotes vigorous growth. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may be affected by scale insects. Propagation is typically done from seed or cuttings, with seeds germinating within 25 to 60 days and firm young growth providing the best cutting material. Fertilization is usually unnecessary, but if needed, a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer can be applied. Lambertia formosa is frost-hardy and can be grown in temperate to subtropical climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Sandy soils and heathland of coastal and mountain regions in New South Wales, Australia
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Lambertia formosa, Lambertia barbata, Lambertia formosa f. tomentosa, Lambertia formosa f. typica, Lambertia formosa var. longifolia, Lambertia formosa var. pallida, Lambertia proxima, Protea nectarina,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lambertia formosa Sm.