Christmas Bush, Sweet Bursaria
Bursaria spinosa
Family: Pittosporaceae
What it is like
Bursaria spinosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) 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.
Height (m): 4.5
Where it is found
Forests and open places, but avoiding arid areas, in loamy soils, stony hills and on riverbanks, probably at its best near the coast.
Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
Skin. The leaves contain the coumarin 'aesculin' - this is used in the treatment of lupus by irradiation and as a screen from ultra-violet light in suntan lotions.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Other
Rating: 3
Leaves contain the coumarin 'aesculin' which is used in the treatment of lupus by irradiation and as an ultraviolet radiation screen in suntan lotions. Plants can be grown as a hedge in mild climates. Wood - tough, hard, close grained, easily worked. Used for tool handles, cabinet making etc.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Weather protection: Plants that can be used to give the body protection from severe weather.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil in full sun. This species only succeeds outdoors in Britain in the mildest areas of the country. Plants are hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. They require a warm south or south-west facing wall in Britain, succeeding in areas where frosts are light and short lived. A good bee plant, the flowers are sweetly fragrant. Very ornamental.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. It does not require pre-treatment. When large enough to handle, prick the plants out into individual pots. Grow on the young plants for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Consider giving the plants some protection from winter cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. They require a little bottom heat if they are to root well.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Christmas Bush, Sweet Bursaria