Australian Cultivar Registration Authority Descriptions of Registered Cultivars

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xAstackea 'Winter Pink'

Formerly known as Astartea 'Winter Pink'

ORIGIN: xAstackea `Winter Pink' is a hybrid between Astartea clavulata and Baeckea astarteoides that arose in cultivation early in 1976 at Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale, Western Australia. Twelve seedlings thought to be hybrids were transplanted and grown to maturity from which one dark flowered form was selected for registration. The cultivar was first received by the Authority in January 1981. Registration applied for by A L Hooper of Zanthorrea Nursery, PO Box 240, Kalamunda, Western Australia.

DESCRIPTION: This cultivar grows into a dense shrub 0.6m tall by 0.7m wide. The leaves are around 4mm long and are whorled around the stem. The flowers are around 10mm diameter and deep pink in colour. They are found from April to October. The flowers are around 10mm in diameter.

CULTIVATION NOTES: The hybrid nature of this cultivar was confirmed by M. Trudgen who is reviewing the nomenclatural status of Astartea and Baeckea. The cultivar has grown well in improved, well-drained soils in Canberra, though when planted in heavier soils growth performance has been disappointing. The plant is relatively frost hardy, with some tip damage in evidence after severe frost. Drought tolerance has not been properly tested. Propagation must be by vegetative means to preserve the cultivar form.

COLOUR CODE: RHS Colour Chart 1966.

petals: close to red purple group 68B.

ACRA REFERENCES: ACC233; ACRA489; CBG9012138.