Phylica pubescens
downy phylica
P. pubescens is a small to medium-sized, evergreen shrub with very narrow leaves 1-3cm long with long hairs on the undersides, giving a silvery effect. In spring, tiny, dark brown flowers appear in clusters at the ends of the branches surrounded by narrow bracts densely clothed in long, cream hairs
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Brown | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Phylica are heath-like, evergreen shrubs with small, narrow leaves often with rolled edges. The tiny flowers may consist of five petal-like sepals, or have petals modified as bristles or filaments
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a warm greenhouse in lime-free (ericaceous) compost in full light with good ventilation. In frost free areas grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Well-ripened wood may survive temperatures close to freezing in a sheltered site
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18C in spring, or by greenwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 10, after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.