Bead Plant
Nertera granadensis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

Nertera granadensis is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Coastal to sub-alpine damp forest, shrubland, grassland, boggy ground and herbfield, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw. The fruit is a berry about 5mm in diameter with a single seed.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a light well-drained soil in semi-shade and shelter from cold winds. Plants are intolerant of excessive winter wet. A prostrate mat-forming plant that forms roots at the nodes of stems, it grows well in a rock garden in areas where frosts are light and short-lived. It is almost hardy in Britain, merely covering it with a pane of glass in the winter is usually ample protection. A very ornamental plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a shaded part of a cool greenhouse or cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

N. depressa. Banks.&Sol. N. montana.