Desfontainia spinosa

Description: An unusual evergreen shrub with eye-catching flowers. The plant may initially look like a holly (Ilex) but tubular-shaped, scarlet and orange flowers, which are tipped with a bright yellow edge are produced throughout late summer and stand out well against the small dark green, spiny, glossy green holly like leaves.

Climate/Position: Sheltered site in partial shade

Height/Spread: 2 metres x 2 metres

Soil Requirements: Moist yet well drained, acid, fertile soil. dislikes alkaline or water-logged soils.

Pruning: None required

Special Requirements: Sheltered and protected site away from winter winds.

First introduced by William Lobb about 1843/44. Lobb collected widely in Chile and western North America in the 1840's and 1850's, primarily for the famous Veitch nursery.

Named after French botanist and professor René Louiche Desfontaines (1752-1833).

Desfontainia which can be found growing in the wild in the South American Andes, from Colombia to southern Chile

May also be known as Linkia spinosa or Desfontainia fulgens