Eriocephalus africanus

RHS Plant Profile
kapok bush

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kapok bush RHS
Shrubs
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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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)
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free