Isopogon ceratophyllus
horny cone-bush
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Isopogon ceratophyllus is a small rigid evergreen shrub in the protea family, reaching 0.2-1 m (8-40 in) tall and wide, with a low, often straggling habit and woody base. The stiff dark green leaves are 3-8 cm (1.2-3.1 in) long and divided several times into sharp cylindrical spine-tipped segments that make the foliage prickly to handle. In spring it produces stalkless yellow flower heads 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) wide at the branch tips, each a cluster of tubular flowers. After flowering the bracts harden into a rounded grey cone-like fruit about 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) wide that holds the seed and gives the genus its common name. It grows in heath, dry sclerophyll forest, and woodland on sandy or gravelly low-nutrient soils in southeastern Australia, and resprouts from a woody rootstock after fire. Like other Proteaceae it is adapted to phosphorus-poor soils and is sensitive to fertiliser. It needs sharp drainage and is slow and hard to establish in heavy or rich garden soils.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and southern New South Wales, in heathland, dry open forest, and woodland on sandy and gravelly low-nutrient soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in native heath and rockery plantings, low-water and habitat gardens, and containers of free-draining mix. Its prickly habit suits low informal barriers and bird-attracting beds on sandy soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 3'4"
Bloom Information
Yellow flower heads appear at the branch tips in spring, mainly September to November, each made of many small tubular flowers. They are followed by the grey cone-like fruiting heads that persist on the bush. Flowering lasts several weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 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