Midstorey

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Mountain devil Lambertia formosa

When it flowers

lambertia formosa, seen in the Blue Mountains (Australia), few km west of Katoomba
lambertia formosa, seen in the Blue Mountains (Australia), few km west of Katoomba. Photo: Schomynv, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Flower of Lambertia formosa, on Princes Rock walking track in Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains.
Flower of Lambertia formosa, on Princes Rock walking track in Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains.. Photo: Casliber, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bud (left, front), and flower (right, behind), of Lambertia formosa near Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls, Blue Mtns
Bud (left, front), and flower (right, behind), of Lambertia formosa near Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls, Blue Mtns. Photo: Casliber, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Prickly sandstone shrub with red tubular flowers and horned woody fruit like a devil's head.

Named for its woody seed pods, which have two horns and look like a little devil's face. Red tubular flowers appear for much of the year and are a favourite of honeyeaters and eastern spinebills.

In the garden

  • Feature plant
  • Rockery
Attracts
Birds and shelter for small wildlife
Flowers
Clusters of red tubular flowers, about 5 cm long.
Leaves
Stiff, narrow, sharp-pointed leaves in whorls.

Growing conditions

Climate
Subtropical and temperate
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Sandy and loam
Drainage
Needs good drainage
Frost
Light frost
Water
Very drought tolerant

Planting and care

Grown from
Seed and cuttings

Planting

Sun or part shade in sandy, very well-drained soil.

Pruning

Tip prune young plants to make them bushier.

Care

Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser, if any. Water through dry spells in the first year; established plants rarely need it.

Safety

  • Prickly or spiny

Sharp-pointed leaves. Wear gloves when pruning.

Where it comes from

Family
Proteaceae
Order
Proteales
Native to
New South Wales
Natural range
Sandstone heath and woodland of the NSW coast and ranges.

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

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