RHAPHITAMNUS spinosus
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RHAPHITAMNUS spinosus
A Chilean plant which resembles a myrtle but has needle-like spines also. Small tubular pale blue flowers in April and deep blue berries which rather make up for the prickles
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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BerriesThese plants have berries.
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Pests & Diseases
None -
Place of origin
Chile, Argentina -
EvergreenElliptic, leathery, glossy, bright green leaves to 4cm (1½in) long with short-pointed tips and rounded to heart-shaped bases. Terminal leaves often turn bronze-purple in winter
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Blue
Pale blue -
Racemes
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Frost hardy (down to -5)
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Elliptic
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Ovate
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Height
2m (6½ft) -
Spread
1m (39in) -
Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightDensely branched shrub with shoots armed at the nodes with 1-3 sharp, thin spines to 4cm (1½in) long. 5-lobed flowers, to 1cm (½in) long, are produced mainly from the leaf axils
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Pruning group 5
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) -
Spring Seasonal Interest
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Fertile moist well-drained soil
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Neutral to acid soil
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Against a wallPrefers a warm, sheltered wall
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Full sun
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Partial shade
Dappled shade -
Mature Size2m (6½ft)
1m (39in)
View Detailed Plant Description
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Rhaphithamnus spinosus - Growing Guide