Colletia armata

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

Colletia armata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 3.5

Where it is found

Not known

S. America - S. Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A very prickly plant and also very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good windbreak hedge and is also good for security. Its main drawback is that it is slow to reach an effective height.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Grows well in a sandy freely draining loam where it flowers freely in a sunny position. Succeeds in dry soils. Plants tolerate partial shade if they are grown in a perfectly draining lean soil. They are very tolerant of maritime exposure. A very ornamental plant, it is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the milder areas of the country and tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. The plants do not have leaves, but they have very sharp spines which are used instead of the leaves in the function of photosynthesis. The flowers are fragrant. They have the scent of vanilla. A very slow growing plant. The form 'Rosea' is stronger-growing.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing fresh seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse and stored seed as early in the year as it is received. 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 in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature side shoots of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, early winter in a cold frame. Leave for 18 months before potting up. Good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. spinosa armata. C. valdiviana.