About
A compact, twiggy, evergreen shrub to about 1.5m from Chile with oval, mid-green leaves and small, pale lavender, tubular, funnel-shaped flowers in summer. A distinctive and unusual shrub for a warm, sheltered, well-drained sunny border in a mild garden.
About the genus
A genus of 10 to 20 species of flowering shrubs and small trees in the cashew family, the most well known being pistachio which is grown for its edible seeds
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationIn mild, frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in a sunny, sheltered spot; plants may need winter protection. In colder areas, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand, in full light. Sap of this plant is used to produce mastic
PruningPruning group 1; restrictive pruning may be required if grown under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal root rot