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Description
Darwinia Sanguinea is a beautiful shrub native to Western Australia. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is commonly known as “Mountain Bell” or “Sanguine.” The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with a dense and bushy habit. It has woody stems with small, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The flowers of Darwinia Sanguinea are the most attractive feature of the plant, with bright red, tubular blooms that appear in clusters at the ends of the branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Darwinia |
Appearance
Darwinia Sanguinea is a stunning plant that is sure to catch the eye. The leaves are small and dark green, with a glossy texture. The plant produces bright red, tubular flowers that are about 1 inch long and appear in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers are surrounded by red bracts that give the plant a unique and vibrant appearance. Darwinia Sanguinea blooms from late winter to early summer, with each bloom lasting about 2-3 weeks.
Care Guide
To keep your Darwinia Sanguinea healthy and thriving, it is important to follow these care guidelines:
Water: Darwinia Sanguinea prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for flowering shrubs, and apply it in early spring and late summer.
Soil: Darwinia Sanguinea prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
Sunlight: Darwinia Sanguinea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms.
Hardiness Zones: Darwinia Sanguinea is hardy in zones 9-11, and can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F. It is important to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Darwinia Sanguinea is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Pests such as aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Darwinia Sanguinea is native to Western Australia, where it grows in rocky outcrops and scrubland. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant is also commonly grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Darwinia Sanguinea?
A: Darwinia Sanguinea prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Q: Can I grow Darwinia Sanguinea in a container?
A: Yes, Darwinia Sanguinea can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Darwinia Sanguinea?
A: Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for flowering shrubs, and apply it in early spring and late summer.
Q: Can I prune my Darwinia Sanguinea?
A: Yes, you can prune your Darwinia Sanguinea to control its size and shape. Prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Darwinia Sanguinea:
- Darwinia Fascicularis
- Darwinia Macrocephala
- Darwinia Citriodora
- Darwinia Collina
References
- “Darwinia Sanguinea.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/d-san.html.
- “Darwinia Sanguinea.” Gardening with Angus, 2021, https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/darwinia-sanguinea-mountain-bell/.
- “Darwinia Sanguinea.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/103870/Darwinia-sanguinea/Details.
