About
Bassia scoparia is a vigorous, bushy annual that thrives in the summer months, characterized by its slender, pale green leaves. During the summer, it produces small, green flowers that are generally unnoticed. This plant is primarily cultivated for its delicate, feathery leaves, which transition to a vibrant reddish-purple hue as summer fades into autumn.
About the genus
Bassia comprises both upright annuals and perennials, characterized by slender, alternate leaves that create a bushy, feathery appearance, often displaying vibrant autumn hues. The flowers are not particularly notable.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant out after the risk of frost, in well-drained soil in a sunny position
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Plants can be lightly trimmed in summer to create a neater shape
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free