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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Bupleurum fruticosum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wasps. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very 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

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover; Hedge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

This species makes a very good wind-shelter hedge in exposed maritime positions, though it is slow growing[11, 75]. Plants can be used as a tall ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way[208].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Ground cover Hedge Hedge Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained, doing well on chalk[11, 182, 200]. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure[11, 49, 75] but will require staking at first if planted in an exposed area unless planted out whilst still very small[166]. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates light shade[202]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it succeeds when grown against a wall at Kew[K] and grows very well in S.W. England[11]. Established plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°c[184, 202] if the soil is well drained[200]. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to wasps[1]. Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be pruned right down to the ground if required[200]. When bruised, the leaves release a pungent smell[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c[138]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 12cm long, July/August in a frame. High percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Bupleurum chinense	Bei Chai Hu	Perennial	1.0	3-7	LMH	SN	DM	2	3	1
Bupleurum falcatum	Thorow-Wax	Perennial	1.0	3-7	LMH	SN	DM	2	2	1
Bupleurum longiradiatum		Perennial	1.0	-	LMH	N	M	1	2
Bupleurum octoradiatum		Perennial	0.8	-	LMH	SN	M	1	1	1
Bupleurum rotundifolium	Hare's Ear	Annual	0.4	5-9	LM	N	DM	1	0	0

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.

Bupleurum fruticosum - L.