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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Proteaceae (Proteas) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Isopogon formosus (Drumsticks) - This upright evergreen shrub from Australia grows to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Crowded along the stem, the dark green divided leaves are 1 to 2 inches long with rounded segments and sharp tips and look a bit like tiny green deer antlers - new growth somewhat reddish and slightly hair. Rounded heads of showy, purplish-pink flowers with yellow styles cluster at the terminal ends of branches during the late winter and spring with oval cones produced after bloom. Best in full sun in a well-drained soil with only occasional irrigation. It is a drought tolerant plant but also sensitive to phosphorus so be careful about fertilizing this plant. Hardy to about 20 degrees F. Light pruning can improve shape of plant but be careful not to prune hard wood as hard cut stems are not likely to resprout. This plant is not often browsed by deer. An attractive plant for its foliage alone and while not a heavy bloomer the flowers are very attractive and interesting as are the cone like seed heads that follow. In its natural habitat this plant is usually found growing close to the coast in heath from south of Perth to Esperance in Western Australia. The name for the genus come from the Latin word 'isos' meaning "equa" and 'pogon' meaning "beard" in reference to the fringed flowers. The specific epithet means "beautiful". It is also commonly called Rose Coneflower in Australia. We first got this interesting and beautiful plant from Daryll Combs in 1993 and have grown this plant ever since.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Isopogon formosus.
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