Gomphostigma virgatum

RHS Plant Profile
otter bush

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otter bush RHS
otter bush RHS / Joanna Kossak

Other common names

otterbossie

Shrubs
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A large, arching shrub to 2.5m with silvery-grey stems and narrow, silvery, willow-like leaves. Small, white flowers are produced in graceful sprays over a long period from early summer to mid-autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–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)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Gomphostigma are evergreen shrubs with narrow, stemless leaves and small, white, four-petalled flowers in small clusters
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Southern Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Tolerates most positions but does best in moist, heavy soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free