Desfontainia spinosa

RHS Plant Profile
spiny desfontainia
spiny desfontainia RHS 2002

Synonyms

Desfontainia hookeri
Desfontainia spinosa f. hookeri

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Shrubs

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free