Vestia foetida

RHS Plant Profile
Chilean box thorn
Chilean box thorn RHS

Synonyms

Vestia lycioides

Shrubs

a compact evergreen shrub to 2m, with narrow, glossy dark green, ill-scented leaves and clusters of tubular, yellow flowers 2.5-3cm long, with spreading or recurved lobes and protruding stamens

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Vestia are evergreen shrubs with pungently scented foliage and nodding tubular flowers with recurved lobes and protruding stamens, solitary or borne in clusters in the leaf axils
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, shelter from cold, drying winds in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free