Shrubby Hare's Ear
Bupleurum fruticosum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Bupleurum fruticosum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wasps. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very 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): 2.5
Where it is found
Sunny hills, walls and rocky places.
S. Europe to N. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
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This species makes a very good wind-shelter hedge in exposed maritime positions, though it is slow growing. Plants can be used as a tall ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained, doing well on chalk. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure but will require staking at first if planted in an exposed area unless planted out whilst still very small. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates light shade. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it succeeds when grown against a wall at Kew and grows very well in S.W. England. Established plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°c if the soil is well drained. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to wasps. Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be pruned right down to the ground if required. When bruised, the leaves release a pungent smell.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 12cm long, July/August in a frame. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover; Hedge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist