About
A succulent shrub with thorny branches carrying narrow grey-green leaves silvery beneath, and salver-shaped white flowers 8cm across in summer.
About the genus
Pachypodium are shrubby succulents, mostly with thick, prickly stems, simple leaves and funnel-shaped flowers in terminal clusters
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMadagascar
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by stem cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free