Myrtaceae - Botanical Family | Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

Xanthostemon aurantiacus

The flowers are particularly beautiful and are held in velvety, pendulous clusters up to 3 ft long, each one composed of hundreds of small, wrinkled, red or crimson flowers mixed with yellowish, orange or yellow ones.

Xanthostemon aurantiacus is a stunning and exotic plants that can grow up to 5-10 ft tall and it requires fast-draining soil and regular watering. It prefers full sun and should be given more water in areas with hot summers and low humidity. This large shrub can grow in USDA Zones 9-11 and making it an ideal choice for gardeners in those areas.

To ensure best flowering results, keep the plant in a sunny location with soil that drains well and water regularly since it can be pretty drought tolerant. In cold climates, Xanthostemon aurantiacus is best grown in a pot and brought indoors when temperatures drop below 35F. It is best to keep the pot in the sunniest location of the house, water it regularly in the growing season and reduce water slowly when temperatures drop in fall and winter. In the harshest winter months, keep the plant in bright light and reduce watering.

Xanthostemon chrysanthus

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Xanthostemon chrysanthus, is still quite unknown outside its native country, and is pretty hard to find. This is a very desirable garden plant for warmer climates. The glorious, dense flower heads are well displayed at branches ends and are bright yellow with stunningly extended stamens reminiscent of a Bottlebrush. Flowers are sweetly fragrant and atract butterlies and hummingbirds. Bloom time in Northern hemisphere lasts from winter through early spring, which makes it especially valuable. In sub-tropical and tropical areas it flowers reliably and often within 2-3 years from seed. New leaves start out red, contrasting beautifully with older, lance shaped glossy green foliage. In native rainforest environment the tree can grow up to 40-50 ft, however in gardens it may reach only 15-20 ft. It responds well to pruning and can be easily shaped into a shrub, hedge or screen with annual pruning. Golden Penda is a favorite of birds and butterflies; it makes a good cut flower. The plant is pretty hardy, tolerates dry soil and requires almost no watering once established; however it will thrive providing moist rich soils. It can also take light frosts.

The genus name Xanthostemon comes from Greek xanthos - yellow, and stemon - a thread or stamen. The species name chrysanthus comes from Greek chrysos - gold and anthos - a flower. This plant is known as Junjum among aboriginal Australians, its hardwood used for swords, spear points and digging sticks.

Xanthostemon verticillatus

Medium open slow growing shrub. It has very showy, cream flowers and beautiful dark green foliage. The flowers also have an attractive fragrance.

Another related tree is

Xanthostemon chrysanthus.

Xanthostemon youngii