Family: Rutaceae
Common Name: Australian Fuchsia

These dense, evergreen shrubs, mostly from the south-east of Australia, are very attractive to birds as their bell-shaped flowers are rich in honey. Many new forms are available, with lovely red and green hells flowering for an extended time.

Species

C. alba is a good sand binder and suitable for exposed, coastal conditions. This low, compact shrub grows to 1.5 m (5 it), with white, starry, summer and autumn flowers and rounded, downy leaves.

C. backhousiana, growing to 1 m (3 ft), has dark green foliage and creamish green winter bells.

C. glabra is a rounded shrub to 2 m (6 ft), with green winter bells and smooth, rounded leaves.

C. pulchella is a small, dainty shrub to 60 cm (24 in). Under inland conditions, it grows into an erect shrub, while on the coast it forms a spreading groundcover. It has small, bright pink to red bells in winter.

C. reflexa grows to 2 m (6 ft), with red bells, tipped with yellow, in winter, and has produced a number of forms, including a green-flowered type and one suitable for growing in pots.

Cultivation

In climates prone to frosts, grow in pots in a cool, airy conservatory or green-house. They need a lime-free (acid) potting compost and maximum light. Outdoors, grow in acid to neutral, well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil, in full sun or partial shade. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Provide bottom heat.

Climate

Suitable for zone 9 if relatively frost-free.