Brachyglottis laxifolia

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Brachyglottis laxifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) 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, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Mountains, 900 - 1500 metres on South Island.

New Zealand.

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 1.8 metres tall.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils, growing well even in maritime exposure. This species is very closely related to B. greyi, but is somewhat hardier, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c. It does well in the mild areas of Britain but it is not hardy at Kew. A very ornamental plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. 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, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Overwinter in a cold frame and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 8cm preferably with a heel, October/November in a cold frame. High percentage. Plant out in late spring.

Best place to grow: 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 greyi. Hort. pro parte. S. laxiflorus. S. laxifolius. Buchan.