Origin

Chrysocephalum apiculatum grows in nature in parts all states of the Commonwealth. Coming from such a wide diversity of climate and soil type it varies considerably in growth habits. The breeder of “Desert Flame’, Dr. Kerry Bunker selected from these many forms and cross pollinated by hand the ones with desirable characteristics. From the many hundreds of resultant seedlings “Desert Flame” was chosen for its’ superior growth and massed flowering.

Care Instructions

All Chrysocephalum are easy care plants and “Desert Flame” is no different. If you decide to grow your plant in a large garden pot then purchase potting media with good humus content. Slow release fertilizer periodically keeps the plant growing well. Prune when the plant gets to look a little tired. Severe pruning can be undertaken at any time of the year, “Desert Flame” will soon shoot away from the central crown.

When grown in your garden mulching at planting is really beneficial to assist the plant to establish and thrive. Roots are kept cool and moisture is better retained by the mulch. If needed, pruning as explained in pot culture earlier can be severe with the plant soon shooting away again. The plant is generally free of pests and diseases.

Uses

“Desert Flame” is a perennial. It will grow to spread from the crown to a width of 0.5m. The plant is described by the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra as decumbent which means that the stems lie flat along the ground with the tips which bear the flowers turning upwards to a height of 15cm. “Desert Flame” is used as a ground cover plant among trees and shrubs or as a border in open garden beds. If planted above a retaining wall it will spill down the wall bearing masses of small golden yellow heads which contrast well with the silver leaves. In garden containers “Desert Flame” will cover and spill over the sides of the pot. It makes a waterwise pot plant but needs watering on average two or three times a week.