Overview
Dracophyllum is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Dracophyllum, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dracophyllum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen plant, rock garden and coastal planting.
About
Dracophyllum is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Ericaceae family. It thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers moist, acidic loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is well suited for use as a specimen plant, in rock gardens, or for coastal planting. Best planted in well-drained soil, it requires watering during establishment and can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Its main seasons of interest are spring and summer.
About the genus
Dracophyllum is a genus of plants belonging to the family Ericaceae, formerly Epacridaceae. There are 61 species in the genus, mostly shrubs, but also cushion plants and trees, found in New Zealand, Australia, Lord Howe Island and New Caledonia.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dracophyllum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Dracophyllum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, rock garden, coastal planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dracophyllum
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dracophyllum?
Dracophyllum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dracophyllum need?
Dracophyllum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Dracophyllum hardy in the UK?
Dracophyllum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Dracophyllum?
Seed, cuttings.
More in the Dracophyllum genus
- Dracophyllum filifolium
- Dracophyllum longifolium
- Dracophyllum milliganii
- Dracophyllum minimum
- Dracophyllum muscoides
- Dracophyllum pronum
- Dracophyllum prostratum
- Dracophyllum secundum
