Brachyglottis rotundifolia

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Brachyglottis rotundifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. 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): 6

Where it is found

From coastal scrub to elevations of 1000 metres on South and Stewart Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The plant is very tolerant of maritime exposure and can be grown as a windbreak hedge. Fairly slow growing, though. It is best left untrimmed.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils. Very tolerant of maritime exposure. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, and succeeding outdoors only in the mildest parts of the country.

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: 8-11

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Senecio reinoldii. Endl. S. rotundifolius. non Stokes. nor Lapeya.