Brachyglottis laxifolia
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
- 2 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[5]. Fairly slow growing though, eventually making a dense hedge to 1.8 metres tall[5].
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- Habitat
- Mountains, 900 - 1500 metres on South Island[4].
- 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
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[6]. Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 8cm preferably with a heel, October/November in a cold frame. High percentage. Plant out in late spring[6].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[3], growing well even in maritime exposure[2]. This species is very closely related to B. greyi, but is somewhat hardier, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[2][3]. It does well in the mild areas of Britain but it is not hardy at Kew[2]. A very ornamental plant[1].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00