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Colletia ulicina

An evergreen shrub to 2.5m tall, with arching stems covered entirely with green, leaf-like thorns. Throughout summer, tubular red flowers are produced in abundance along the stems

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rhamnaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Colletia are spiny deciduous shrubs with sparse leaves and small, fragrant, tubular flowers in late summer or autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Chile

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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