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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Cyanotis somaliensis
  • RHS AGM

pussy ears

A spreading evergreen perennial to 12cm, with lance-shaped to oblong, olive-green leaves 4cm in length, with prominent white hairs on the margins. Small clusters of purple flowers 5mm across, sparsely borne in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Commelinaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Cyanotis are slightly succulent, evergreen perennials with trailing stems bearing hairy, lance-shaped to ovate leaves, and clusters of 3-petalled, purple or blue flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N Somalia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from the midday sun. Provide low humidity and water moderately at all times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen feed during the growing season, overfeeding with cause atypical growth

Propagation

Propagate by seed or stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

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.