Overview
Leucophyta brownii is a bushy, clump forming, spreading branched alpine rockery in the genus Leucophyta, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Leucophyta brownii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, low maintenance, banks and slopes and ground cover. It is native to Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Australia.
About
Leucophyta is a plant genus which is endemic to Australia. The genus was first formally described by botanist Robert Brown in 1818. The sole species in the genus is Leucophyta brownii, also known as cushion bush. In 1891, German botanist Otto Kuntze assigned a number of species to this genus in his publication Revisio Generum Plantarum but none of his name combinations have currency, those species being presently divided between the genera Balladonia, Blennospora, Calocephalus and Gnephosis. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucophyta
About the genus
Leucophyta is a plant genus which is endemic to Australia. The genus was first formally described by botanist Robert Brown in 1818.
Wikipedia contributors, "Leucophyta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucophyta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Leucophyta
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Leucophyta brownii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
- Native to
- Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Australia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Leucophyta brownii
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Leucophyta brownii?
Leucophyta brownii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Leucophyta brownii need?
Leucophyta brownii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Leucophyta brownii grow?
Leucophyta brownii reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Leucophyta brownii hardy in the UK?
Leucophyta brownii has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Leucophyta brownii?
Semi-ripe cuttings.