Baccharis patagonica
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Baccharis patagonica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Rock crevices, forest margins and coastal sands.
Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A very good hedge for exposed maritime conditions. It is exceedingly tolerant of maritime exposure and amenable to clipping, though it is rather slow growing. Plants tend to be as wide or wider than they are tall and produce a very dense weed-excluding cover. Plants have an extensive root system and can be grown on sand or thin coastal soils in order to bind the soil. Resinous secretions on the leaves and wood make this a useful fuel. It is a fairly small plant though and would not be a very productive source.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in almost any soil, from heavy clays to pure sands, if it is growing in a sunny position. Tolerates saline conditions. A dense evergreen shrub, it is useful for coastal situations and is exceedingly tolerant of maritime exposure. A rather slow-growing plant, increasing in height by 15 - 25cm a year. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Very tolerant of pruning, plants produce an abundance of new shoots if they are cut back to the ground. Flowers are produced on the previous year's growth. Considered to be very attractive by most visitors to our trial grounds, the foliage and flowers are strongly aromatic, especially on hot sunny days. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - no pre-treatment is required. Surface sow in pots a cold frame in the spring, do not let the compost dry out. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame 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. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, November in a frame. Easy.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist