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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Desfontainia spinosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

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.
Miscellany Narcotic

The leaves are narcotic and have been used medicinally in Chile[192]. More research needs to be carried out into the medicinal virtues of this plant[192]. The sub-species D. spinosa hookeri is usually employed[192].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Miscellany

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a humus-rich moisture-retentive acid soil in a sheltered position in partial shade[200]. Grows well in sandy soils as long as there is plenty of humus present[245]. Intolerant of alkaline soils and of water-logging[202]. Dislikes drought[200]. Plants like growing with their roots in the shade but their stems reaching up into the light[245]. This species is not fully hardy in Britain, plants tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c when sheltered from cold drying winds[200]. They grow best along the west coast of the country, especially in Scotland and N. Ireland[11]. The sub-species D. spinosa hookeri.(Dun.)Reiche. is usually employed for its medicinal virtues[238]. There is at least one named variety selected for its ornamental value[200]. The flowers are softly honey-scented[245]. A slow-growing plant[202]. Any pruning to retain shape is best done in the spring[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Grow on the seedlings in a bright filtered light[200]. 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 into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Requires humid conditions and bottom heat at 16°c[200]. Overwinter in a cold frame and grow on for another year before planting out[200]. Division of suckers in the dormant season[202].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Peru,Chile

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

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.

Desfontainia spinosa - Ruiz.&Pav.