Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla

RHS Plant Profile
summer cypress

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Other common names

burning bush

Synonyms

Kochia trichophylla
Bassia trichophylla

Annual Biennial

A fast-growing, bushy, summer annual with narrow, light green leaves. Inconspicuous green flowers are produced in summer. Grown for its fine, feathery foliage that turns bright reddish purple in late summer and autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk, Clay

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Chalk Clay
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Bassia can be upright annuals or perennials, with narrow, alternate leaves giving a bushy, feathery effect, often colouring well in autumn; flowers insignificant
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant out after the risk of frost in well-drained soil in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Bedding

Pruning

No pruning required. Plants can be lightly trimmed in summer to create a neater shape

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free