PLANT OF THE WEEK
Holly Leaved Fuchsia:Graptophyllum ilicifolium
There are those gardeners who think that native plants look straggly or messy and won’t plant them in the garden.
No mixing up of plants for them.
Perhaps the holly leaved fuchsia will have them changing their minds because it looks more like something from the northern hemisphere.
A medium shrub 3-5m high found in fairly dry rainforest areas or along creek bank.
Actually occurring only in a small pocket west of Mackay in Queensland.
Moderately fast grower in warm climates, but slower in cool temperate areas.
WatchLet’s find out more. I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, horticulturist and native plant expert.
PLAY: Holly Leaved Fuchsia_9th October_2019
Graptophyllum ilicifolium, or holly leaved fuchsia is quite unusual, and may just suit your garden.
Leaves look like those of a holly bush so very useful for Christmas decorations perhaps?
The flowers are fuchsia like, but obviously this plant is tougher than your regular fuchsia because of the tougher leaves.
The flowers appear in spring and summer along the stems.
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Graptophyllum ilicifolium: holly leaved fuchsia |
If you have any questions for me or for Adrian, please write in to realworldgardener@gmail.com
