The Australian wildflower genus Beaufortia was named early in the 19th century in honour of the Duchess of Beaufort. The Duchess of the time, Mary, was a patroness of horticulture. Beaufortia is endemic to south-west Western Australia. Like the melaleuca , kunzea and callistemon, it is a member of the Myrtlaceae family. Generally the plants are smaller and flower heavily while young. Most are highly ornamental with the flowers being almost spherical or more bottlebrush-like. All Beaufortia species are attractive to birds.
The individual flowers have five short petals and many have much longer stamens which may be fused for most of their length. Following the flowers, woody capsules are formed much like those of the melaleuca. Most of these plants will grow in full sun or semi-shaded positions.
Beaufortia decussata is found only in the extreme south-west. It has vivid scarlet flowers in short cylindrical spikes. It prefers a light, gritty soil and flowers in late summer and autumn.
Beaufortia schaueri or pink bottlebrush grows to a maximum of a little over a metre and has a spreading habit. It prefers the heavier loams and is likely to be found inland towards the mallee country. The leaves form tightly overlapping clusters. The pink-mauve globular flowers bloom from June to January dependent on seasonal winter/spring rainfall.
Beaufortia squarrosa or sand bottlebrush is found from Perth north to Geraldton on the Western Australian coast. The leaves of this species are short and broad with new growth being covered with soft down. The flower heads are a paintbrush type. This species is difficult to grow outside its natural range. It prefers sandy soil and a position in full sun.
Beaufortia sparsa (Gravel Bottlebrush or Swamp Bottlebrush) is the most commonly cultivated of the genus. It grows to 2 metres and is relatively hardy with dense, green leaves. The bright reddish-orange, almost vermillion, flowers form on short, slightly drooping spikes and are borne from December to April. It is adaptable to a range of conditions and is attractive to birds. It responds well to light pruning.
Beaufortia purpurea grows to 100cm and is another that is attractive to birds. It is a small heath-type shrub with narrow, pointed leaves. The flowers are a purplish to bright red and form in globular heads on the ends of stems. The flowering season is in spring and summer.
Beaufortia tolerate only light to moderate frosts and most like a sunny position. They also like moist but well-drained soil. Once established, they are reasonably drought-tolerant. A light trimming will keep the bushes compact.
