Blandfordia nobilis
christmas bells
Overview
Blandfordia nobilis is a tufted evergreen perennial growing from a fibrous rootstock, with narrow, grass-like leaves 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long arranged in a basal clump. In summer it sends up an erect flowering stem 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall topped with a one-sided cluster of 3 to 15 pendulous, tubular flowers. Each flower is 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) long, red to orange-red on the outside and yellow at the flared mouth, giving the plant its Christmas-season common name. The flowers are followed by elongated capsules holding many small seeds. The species grows naturally in moist sandy heath, swamp margins, and sandstone seepage lines, and depends on consistently damp, peaty, acidic soil. It tolerates full sun to light shade but has low tolerance of drought, lime, and rich soils. Plants are slow to establish and may take several years to flower from seed. In cultivation B. nobilis is grown in bog gardens, containers, and heath plantings, and its summer flowers draw nectar-feeding birds.
Native Range
Blandfordia nobilis is native to the central and southern coast and adjacent tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. It grows in moist heath, swamp margins, and sandstone seepage areas on nutrient-poor, acidic sandy soils.Suggested Uses
B. nobilis is grown in bog and heath gardens, in damp rockeries, and in containers of acidic mix where moisture can be controlled. The summer bells draw honeyeaters and other nectar feeders. Its narrow moisture and soil requirements limit it to specialised damp, lime-free positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Tubular red and yellow flowers open in summer, mainly November to February, coinciding with the Christmas season in Australia. A single stem carries 3 to 15 nodding bells that open in sequence from the base upward. Nectar-feeding birds and insects visit the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red with yellow mouthFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow B. nobilis in full sun to light shade in permanently moist, acidic, sandy or peaty soil low in nutrients. The species has low tolerance of drying out, lime, and phosphorus, so rainwater and lime-free media suit it. It performs in USDA zones 9-11 and tolerates light frost once established. Keep the root zone damp through the growing season, easing back slightly in winter. Plants respond poorly to disturbance and re-establish slowly after division, so they are left in place once settled.Pruning
B. nobilis needs no routine pruning. Cut spent flower stems back to the base once the bells fade and seed is not wanted. Remove dead outer leaves from the clump in late winter to keep it tidy.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons