Melicytus alpinus

RHS Plant Profile
porcupine shrub

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Synonyms

Hymenanthera dentata var. alpina
Hymenanthera alpina

Shrubs
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A dwarf evergreen shrub to 60cm tall, forming a dense mound of sparsely-leaved, spine-tipped stems. In spring it bears tiny, cream-coloured flowers that hang beneath the branches; these are followed by white berries. Suitable for a rock garden

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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)
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Violaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Melicytus are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs with sweetly fragrant leaves. The small male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants and the females can go on to produce showy berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand (S.Island)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in very sharply-draining, sandy soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free