Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrids
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Brachyglottis genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Brachyglottis
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- slow
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Spread
- 2 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it can be grown as a windbreak hedge[8]. Fairly slow growing though, eventually making a dense hedge to 1.5 metres tall[8]. Plants can be grown as a dense ground cover. They take about two years to form an effective cover[6].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- A group of garden hybrids involving B. compacta, B. greyi. and B. laxifolia.
- Habitat
- Not known in the wild.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure, drought
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - probably best sown on the surface of a freely draining compost in the greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed can be surface sown in the greenhouse in early spring. Do not allow the compost to dry out. 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. This plant is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[4]. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame. Very easy.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[2][7]. Established plants are fairly drought resistant[5], they tolerate maritime exposure[2]. This species grows well in the milder areas of Britain where it tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c[3]. This name covers a range of hybrids of garden origin involving B. compacta, B. greyi. and B. laxifolia[7]. There are a number of named forms selected for their ornamental value. 'Sunshine' makes a good wind resistant hedge in maritime areas[1][7]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning and soon regrow after being cut right back into old wood[5].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512
Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649