DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIAN ORNAMENTAL PLANTS UNDER CENTRAL EUROPEAN CONDITIONS

Since 1980 in Geisenheim/Rhein a main effort is made on research of developing so-called "new ornamental plants". Meant are in particular those ornamental plants which were so far unknown in this region and which will enlarge the assortment of the German market. In this connection Australian ornamentals are of special high interest because of their abundance of various characteristics. To the plant species which were introduced between 1985 and 1986 belong Brachyscome multifida Cass. and Helichrysum bracteatum (Vent.) Andr. 'Diamond Head'. For some Correa Andr. species and varieties a provisional cultivation diagram is ready and they are in test production since the beginning of 1988. With Lechenaultia biloba Lindl. and with Pimelea ferruginea Labill. results on the present stage of experiments are reported. Both seem to be potential for a test production in 1989. Hardenbergia violacea (Schneev.) Stearn could not become introduced neither as a garden plant because of the Central European winter conditions nor as a indoor plant because of their lack in flower lasting.