Practical
Plants

Bupleurum fruticosum

Shrubby Hare's Ear

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Bupleurum genus in the family Umbelliferae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
2.5 m
Spread
2.5 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Wasps
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Wasps

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This species makes a very good wind-shelter hedge in exposed maritime positions, though it is slow growing[2][13]. Plants can be used as a tall ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way[10].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Hedge

Environment

Range
S. Europe to N. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[5].
Habitat
Sunny hills, walls and rocky places.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very 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 the greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c[3]. 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[14].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained, doing well on chalk[2][6][8]. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure[2][12][13] but will require staking at first if planted in an exposed area unless planted out whilst still very small[4]. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates light shade[9]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it succeeds when grown against a wall at Kew[K] and grows very well in S.W. England[2]. Established plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°c[7][9] if the soil is well drained[8]. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to wasps[1]. Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be pruned right down to the ground if required[8]. When bruised, the leaves release a pungent smell[11].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  3. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan. 1989-00-00

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  4. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

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  5. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

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  6. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  7. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

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  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3

    ↩1↩2

  10. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

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  11. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

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  12. Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.

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  13. Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  14. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

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