About
Ephedra intermedia is a densely branched, evergreen shrub to around 1 m tall with vertical, jointed, glaucous, rush-like shoots and inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in summer followed on female plants by red fruits. A drought-tolerant and ornamental joint fir for a dry, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Ephedra, the joint firs, are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs and climbers with slender, green, jointed, rush-like stems and reduced, scale-like leaves. The genus contains the pharmacologically active compound ephedrine. They grow in arid and semi-arid habitats and are grown as ornamental plants in dry, well-drained, sunny gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toIran to Mongolia & Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free