{"product_id":"mandy-s-surprise-dwarf-scarlet-kunzea-kunzea-baxteri-mandy-s-surprise","title":"Mandy's Surprise Dwarf Scarlet Kunzea - Kunzea baxteri 'Mandy's Surprise'","description":"\u003cp\u003eMandy's Surprise Dwarf Scarlet Kunzea (\u003cem\u003eKunzea baxteri\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mandy's Surprise') is a compact Australian native shrub, about 1m high and 1m wide, that covers itself in fluffy red pompom flowers from early winter into spring. It began as a chance dwarf among normal sized plants of the species, and native gardeners noticed it at once. It can be slow to settle in, then flowers in a rush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter colour.\u003c\/strong\u003e The red flowers arrive earlier than on the full sized species, from the start of winter in some districts, when little else is in bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and neat.\u003c\/strong\u003e A rounded 1m shrub with tiny, neat leaves suits front gardens and borders where the full sized species would sprawl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood for wildlife.\u003c\/strong\u003e Birds, bees and butterflies visit the flowers, so it is a good pick for native and wildlife gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought hardy.\u003c\/strong\u003e Once established it copes with dry weather, which makes it a good choice for low water gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInformal low hedging.\u003c\/strong\u003e The dense, cushiony form clips lightly into a soft low hedge or border edge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow hedges and borders.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 80cm apart in a single row for an informal hedge about 1m high. A light trim after flowering keeps it tight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow water gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair it with other drought hardy natives in a bed that gets only occasional watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative and wildlife gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant it in a group of three where birds and insects will find the winter flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoastal gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e It prefers dry sandy soil and a dry coastal climate, so it suits seaside gardens with good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Mandy's Surprise Dwarf Scarlet Kunzea in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade. It prefers a dry coastal climate, so it does best in Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens. It may grow in subtropical gardens, or in richer soils, if drainage is very free. It should come through a light frost once it is established and mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Very free draining soil is the key, and it prefers dry sandy ground. On heavy soil, raise the bed with sand and grit or plant on a mound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch and water regularly until it establishes, which usually takes around 12 weeks. It is drought hardy, but water through prolonged dry spells to keep it healthy. Apply a slow release fertiliser made for natives in spring, and a seaweed solution each season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Tip prune lightly after flowering to keep it dense and rounded. Avoid cutting into old, leafless wood, which rarely reshoots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Mandy's Surprise Dwarf Scarlet Kunzea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small green plant with tiny leaves that may sit quietly for a season while its roots settle, so be patient. Small plants are light and travel securely, so unpack them as soon as they arrive and give them a good drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/australian-natives\"\u003eMore Australian native plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bird-attracting\"\u003ePlants that attract birds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/designing-a-native-australian-garden-to-attract-wildlife\"\u003eDesigning a native garden for wildlife\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003eDrought tolerant plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is it slow to flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMandy's Surprise can take a little while to establish. It forms a green cushion first, then flowers heavily once it has settled, often in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it grow in the subtropics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt prefers a dry coastal climate, but it may grow in subtropical gardens if the soil drains very freely. Raise the bed and avoid heavy clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it a good hedging plant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt suits informal low hedging at about 1m. Space plants 80cm apart and trim lightly after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67787260363071,"sku":"KUN-BAX-MANDYS-tube","price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/mandy-s-surprise-dwarf-scarlet-kunzea-kunzea-baxteri-mandy-s-surprise.jpg?v=1792154676","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/mandy-s-surprise-dwarf-scarlet-kunzea-kunzea-baxteri-mandy-s-surprise","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}