Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrids

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrids is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Not known in the wild.

A group of garden hybrids involving B. compacta, B. greyi. and B. laxifolia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it can be grown as a windbreak hedge. Fairly slow growing though, eventually making a dense hedge to 1.5 metres tall. Plants can be grown as a dense ground cover. They take about two years to form an effective cover.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils. Established plants are fairly drought resistant, they tolerate maritime exposure. This species grows well in the milder areas of Britain where it tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c. This name covers a range of hybrids of garden origin involving B. compacta, B. greyi. and B. laxifolia. There are a number of named forms selected for their ornamental value. 'Sunshine' makes a good wind resistant hedge in maritime areas. Plants are very tolerant of pruning and soon regrow after being cut right back into old wood.

Propagating it: Seed - probably best sown on the surface of a freely draining compost in the greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed can be surface sown in the greenhouse in early spring. Do not allow the compost to dry out. 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. This plant is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Senecio Dunedin Hybrids