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Description
Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine, also known as Senecio Sunshine, is a woody evergreen shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a dwarf cultivar of Brachyglottis Greyi and is native to New Zealand. The plant grows up to 60cm tall and 60cm wide and has a compact, rounded shape. It produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer and autumn. The leaves of Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine are gray-green, small, and leathery.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Brachyglottis |
Appearance
Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine has a compact, rounded shape and grows up to 60cm tall and 60cm wide. Its gray-green leaves are small, leathery, and have a woolly texture on their undersides. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer and autumn. The flowers are about 2cm in diameter and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine is an evergreen shrub, which means it retains its leaves throughout the year.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine, follow these care guidelines:
Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilization: Feed the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight: Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine prefers full sun to partial shade. Provide it with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in coastal regions. It grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I prune Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine?
A: Prune the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune it to shape it or control its size.
Q: Does Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Brachyglottis Compacta Sunshine toxic to pets?
A: The plant is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:
- Brachyglottis Greyi
- Senecio Greyi
- Senecio String Of Pearls
- Senecio Mandraliscae
References
Here are some sources that we used to create this encyclopedia entry:
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9319/brachyglottis-compacta-sunshine/details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/brachyglottis-compacta-sunshine-senecio-sunshine
- https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/brachyglottis-compacta-sunshine
