Colletia spinosa armata

Location

The Tennis Court garden (4 metres from seat) and at the end of the Terrace Border.

Description:

A deciduous slow growing shrub to 3.5m by 3m (12 ft x 10 ft), hardy down to -5º C. Native to South America it has vanilla scented white flowers produced throughout the Autumn. A very prickly plant, with no real leaves, it makes a good windbreak and security hedge, over time.

Site and Care:

Light, sandy, and medium, loamy, well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil of any type. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or sun. The plant can tolerate a seaside environment but will not tolerate frost in waterlogged soil. Propagate by seed, half-ripe mature cuttings with heel in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.