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Family: Proteaceae
Native to: Chile and Argentina
Dimensions: tree to 30 - 50' tall
Cold resistance: hardy to 5 - 10°F (usually, except tender forms)
Drought resistance: moderate, not good for very dry sites
Key Features: covered with bright red flowers in spring, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds, lanceolate leaves are generally semi-deciduous, yellow autumn color
Uses: spectacular specimen tree, collectors item, reasonably adaptable, grows fine in coastal gardens, deer resistant
Description:
Lending an entirely new meaning to the term "forest fire," this remarkable tree puts on a brilliant show of crimson for a long period in the spring. It tends to be upright in habit, though it often spreads with age, and may reach 30 - 40' or greater after many years (in fact, it has reached 50' in Seattle). Deep green leaves are generally evergreen to start with, but older trees may assume a semi-deciduous or even completely deciduous habit, usually with a brief period of bright yellow fall color. It prefers cool, moist, acidic soils, and responds well to heavy applications of organic sources of nitrogen. Like all members of the Proteaceae family, it should not be fed with phosphorus except in the smallest quantities. It is at its best in cool, coastal climates; and tends to be challenging in climates with hot, humid summers. Our seed comes from Northwest sourced trees that have proven completely winter-hardy over the years.
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