Apache Plume
Fallugia paradoxa
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.
Fallugia paradoxa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Dry sun-baked rocky hills.
South-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A source of oilseed. This species has an extensive root system and has been planted for erosion control. A rinse made from the steeped leaves is used as a hair rinse to promote growth of the hair. The branches have been tied together to make a broom for outdoor use.
Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Erosion control, Specimen. Requires a position in full sun in a perfectly drained soil with shelter from cold winds and protection from prolonged frosts, it is best grown against a south-facing wall. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Tolerates calcareous soils. Dislikes winter wet. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c if the soil is dry. Special Features: North American native, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist