Eriocephalus africanus
kapok bush
An aromatic, evergreen shrub, to 1m tall, with arching branches clothed with narrow, grey-green, slightly-succulent, leaves. Small, purple-eyed, white flowers are produced in winter, followed by fluffy, white seedheads
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Eriocephalus are evergreen shrubs with small, simple, aromatic leaves and white or pink flowers in spring or autumn, followed by fluffy seedheads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position. In cold areas grow in a container and take under glass for winter protection
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown into gritty compost in spring, or take softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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