COLLETIA hystrix

Semi-evergreen - Keeps some of its foliage all year, and will drop some leaves as well.

White

Height - 3m (10ft)

Spread - 3m (10ft)

Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - stiffly branched, almost leafless shrub. Cylindrical sharp-pointed grey-green spines.

Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)

Full sun - open site. Shelter from cold drying winds.

Additional Features - Good to know - - BEWARE - sharp spines close to the flowers. Attracts insects and butterflies late in the year. Also known as barbed-wire bush. Can be tip-pruned when young to encourage bushiness

Pests & Diseases - none

Place of origin - Chile

Flower Shape - Tubular - - minute flowers with prominent calyces

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Scented Plants - Scented flowers -

Seasonal Interest - Autumn -

Summer

Soil Conditions - Medium to light, fertile, well drained soil -