Browse plants / Proteaceae
Rose coneflower Isopogon formosus
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, flowering
- August, flowering
- September, flowering
- October, flowering
- November, flowering
- December, not flowering
Prickly WA shrub with round rose-pink flower heads in winter and spring.
A striking shrub from the south coast of Western Australia, with finely divided, prickly leaves and rose-pink pincushion flower heads. A long-lasting cut flower.
In the garden
- Leaves
- Finely divided, stiff, prickly leaves.
- Attracts
- Birds and pollinating insects
- Flowers
- Round rose-pink flower heads, 4 to 6 cm across.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Sandy and loam
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Very drought tolerant
- Climate
- Dry summers (Mediterranean) and temperate
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed and cuttings
Planting
Full sun in sandy, free-draining soil. Best in dry-summer climates; in humid areas choose a grafted plant or give it the best-drained spot you have.
Pruning
Tip prune young plants; cut flowers for the vase.
Care
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser, if any. Avoid summer watering once established; prone to root rot in wet soil.
Safety
Sharp, stiff leaves. Wear gloves when pruning or picking.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Order
- Proteales
- Native to
- Western Australia
- Natural range
- Sandy heath of the south coast of Western Australia.
Where to buy
Specialist native nurseries.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Isopogon formosus on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.