Atraphaxis spinosa

Shrubs

A low, sprawling, deciduous shrub to 60cm tall and 120cm wide with slender, branching stems often tipped with spines. Small, oval to round leaves up to 1cm long are a blue-green colour and tiny, white to pink flowers are borne in small clusters in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Europe, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sunny position such as a rock garden or on a stony bank

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

Restrict pruning to the removal of branch tips every second or third year in spring to contain spread

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free