Confined to Poor Knights and Hen and Chicken island. Flax-like leaves and stunning red bottlebrush-like flowers through spring. Ideal for containers as it like to be rootbound.

Read our article about the poor Knights lily http://www.tawapou.co.nz/about-native-plants/the-p...

Xeronema callistemon is a species of flowering plant endemic to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island in the north of New Zealand. It was discovered in 1924 and has a common name Poor Knights lily.

Plants grow from fresh falling seeds. Although they germinate easily, it might take 10–15 years for them to grow into the flowering size. They flower between September and December, peaking in October (spring in New Zealand).

Xeronema callistemon usually grows on rhyolite sea cliffs and rocky outcrops and sometimes in forest. It requires much water and is pollinated by birds and butterflies. If its seed falls on a nearby tree, such as metrosideros excelsa, then it may grow as an epiphyte on it. The species has no obvious natural enemies and is listed as vulnerable because it grows naturally only on two islands. These islands are protected by the New Zealand Government as nature reserves and have a limited access. However, the plant is becoming popular for cultivation in private gardens.

Here at Tawapou we find the Xeronema also do well in pots under the canopy of established trees or on a deck. They like to be in the warm sun but do best if they are protected from the hot afternoon sun. They require very good drainage and are very susceptible to phytophthora root rot which we recommend treating with Foscheck.

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