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Products > Diplolaena dampieri 'Feather Duster'   Diplolaena dampieri 'Feather Duster' - Southern Diplolaena Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.   [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Rutaceae (Citrus) Origin: Australia (Australasia) Flower Color: Orange Bloomtime: Winter/Spring Height: 3-5 feet Width: 3-5 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Seaside: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Diplolaena dampieri 'Feather Duster' (Southern Diplolaena) - A small dense shrub to 3-5 feet tall by an equal spread with aromatic 1 1/2" long oblong leaves that are a dark olive green above. The underside of the leaves as well as the stems, new leaf and flower buds are densely tomentose with white hairs. In late winter to early spring appear the interesting and unique orange flowers that are displayed on the branch tips. The flowers of Diplolaena have a double row of pale green bracts which surrounds the flowers and gives this plant its name; 'diploos' for "double" and 'chlaina' for "cloak". From these bracts emerge 5 pale bract-like petals and fiery 1 inch long orange stamens. This shrub from Western Australia is showy and also quite neat and adaptable. Plant in full sun to open shade in a well-drained soil. Reportedly grew well along the coast in fairly dry conditions or with more regular water and is hardy to at least 25° F. Tolerates hard shearing and can be used as a small dense screen. This selection of this Western Australia native, which comes from the coastal dune areas north of Cape Leeuwin, was under evaluation by the UCSC Koala Blooms Program beginning in 2006. It seemed to be a good garden plant but had difficulty in summer heat away from the coast and the plant has since been dropped from the program.  The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing  Diplolaena dampieri 'Feather Duster'.     [MORE INFO]