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Description
Brachyglottis Repanda, commonly known as the Bushman’s Friend, is a flowering shrub that is native to New Zealand. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and produces bright yellow blooms that appear in late summer to early autumn. This evergreen shrub has a spreading habit and can grow up to 2 meters in height and 3 meters in width. It is commonly used as a hedging plant and is a popular choice for coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt spray.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Brachyglottis |
Appearance
Brachyglottis Repanda has oval-shaped leaves that are a silvery-grey color on the underside and a dark green color on the upper side. The leaves are slightly hairy and can grow up to 10 centimeters in length. The bright yellow flowers are daisy-like and have a diameter of up to 3 centimeters. They appear in clusters on the end of the stems in late summer to early autumn.
Care Guide
Water: Brachyglottis Repanda prefers well-draining soil and requires regular watering during the summer months. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage healthy growth and flower production.Soil: This shrub prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.Sunlight: Brachyglottis Repanda prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brachyglottis Repanda is generally a low-maintenance plant and is relatively free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Brachyglottis Repanda is native to the coastal regions of New Zealand and is well-suited to coastal gardens. It can tolerate salt spray and is often used as a hedging plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Brachyglottis Repanda drought-tolerant?
A: While this shrub can tolerate dry conditions, it is important to provide regular watering during the summer months to ensure healthy growth.Q: How often should I fertilize Brachyglottis Repanda?
A: A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring to encourage healthy growth and flower production.Q: Can Brachyglottis Repanda be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this shrub can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its spreading habit.Q: How can I prevent powdery mildew on my Brachyglottis Repanda?
A: Regular monitoring and early intervention can help prevent powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Related Plants
- Brachyglottis Greyi
- Brachyglottis Monroi
- Brachyglottis Sunshine
References
- “Brachyglottis Repanda.” Gardening Know How. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bushman-s-friend/brachyglottis-repanda.htm.
- “Brachyglottis Repanda.” Pacific Horticulture Society. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/brachyglottis-repanda/.
- “Brachyglottis Repanda.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18484/brachyglottis-repanda/details.
