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Red Cestrum

Red Cestrum
Photo: Philipp Weigell
Invasive Plant
Red Cestrum
Cestrum elegans
 

Red cestrum has dark green leaves and forms a medium sized shrub to 3 m. Flowers in winter–spring, forming clusters of red trumpetlike flowers. In summer–autumn it produces dark purple berries. It can tolerate moist and shady conditions. It is not commonly sold today but still can be found in Victorian gardens.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Seeds are easily spread in bird and animal droppings and also in soil and water. As new branches touch the ground they generally form roots and grow new plants. Invades gardens, bushland and stream sides.
 

This plant and the green form are also known to be poisonous.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Baby's Breath Spirea
Photo: Robert Chin
Alternative Plant Baby's Breath Spirea
Spiraea thunbergia
Trees and Shrubs
 

A long-lived, small deciduous shrub to 1.5 m. In late winter or early spring, it forms a beautiful mound of gracefully arching stems covered in small clusters of dainty white flowers. Use in a mixed borders or as a specimen shrub.

Grass-leaf Hakea
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Grass-leaf Hakea
Hakea multilineata
Trees and Shrubs
 

Another spectacular native shrub or small tree to 5 m high. Bright pink flowers are borne in the leaf axils in winter and spring. This species prefers an open, well-drained sunny position, however can tolerate some shade. It is also tolerant of moderate frosts and attractive to native birds. Great specimen plant or planted as a group for maximum affect.

Grevillea
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Grevillea
Grevillea 'Ned Kelly'
Trees and Shrubs
 

A vigorous, bushy native shrub which can reach about 2 m in height by 3 metres wide. It is fast growing and displays its large orange-red flowers throughout the year. The foliage is bright green and heavily divided. The flowers attract honey eating birds into the garden. One of many great hybrid Grevilleas for use in your garden. Prefers a sunny, well drained position in the garden.

 
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