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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Colletia armata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. spinosa armata. C. valdiviana.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

A very prickly plant and also very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good windbreak hedge and is also good for security. Its main drawback is that it is slow to reach an effective height[75].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Grows well in a sandy freely draining loam where it flowers freely in a sunny position[11]. Succeeds in dry soils[11, 202]. Plants tolerate partial shade if they are grown in a perfectly draining lean soil[200]. They are very tolerant of maritime exposure[75, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the milder areas of the country and tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. The plants do not have leaves, but they have very sharp spines which are used instead of the leaves in the function of photosynthesis[188]. The flowers are fragrant[188]. They have the scent of vanilla[202]. A very slow growing plant[75]. The form 'Rosea' is stronger-growing[202].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing fresh seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse and stored seed as early in the year as it is received. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[200]. Cuttings of mature side shoots of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, early winter in a cold frame. Leave for 18 months before potting up. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Colletia ferox		Shrub	0.0	-		LM	N	M	0	1
Colletia paradoxa		Shrub	3.0	7-10	S	LM	N	M	0	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Colletia armata - Miers.