A compact eastern shrub with finely divided leaves and yellow flower clusters that mature into woody, drumstick-like seed cones. A tough, tidy feature for sandstone gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Drumsticks
Isopogon anemonifolius is a slow-growing shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales and Victoria. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Drumsticks
Drumsticks suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice, tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is suitable for bushfire-prone (BAL) gardens.
Soil & planting
Drumsticks does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Drumsticks is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Drumsticks after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Drumsticks in the garden
Drumsticks earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Drumsticks with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Drumsticks
Plant Sale lists Drumsticks as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.