3 Litre Pot
- RHS: Award of Garden Merit
- Position: Partial shade, sheltered
- Soil: Moist, well drained
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flowering Period: Summer
- Hardiness: H4
- Eventual Height: 1.5 – 2.5m
- Eventual Spread: 1.5 – 2.5m
Desfontainia Spinosa, also known as ‘Chilean Holly’ and a holder of the much coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a striking and attractive shrub and is known for its bright red tubular flowers that bloom in the Summer. It typically grows to be about 2.5 metres tall and wide, with a woody stem and glossy, dark green holly like leaves.
In terms of landscaping, Desfontainia spinosa is a great choice for adding colour and interest to a garden. It is a great plant for rock gardens, as well as for planting in containers. The plant is also a great choice for planting in a mass to create a natural barrier. The plant is also a great choice for use as a specimen plant or in a mixed border.
Desfontainia spinosa is a relatively new plant to cultivation, first being discovered by the botanist Aimé Bonpland in the early 19th century, and was later named after the French botanist Charles-François Desfontaines. The plant was first introduced to cultivation in Europe in 1835, and it quickly became a popular ornamental plant.
How to care for your Desfontainia Spinosa
- Light: This plant prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if it is protected from the hot afternoon sun.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The plant prefers a humid environment, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant.
- Soil: The plant prefers a moist, well-drained soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite or a mix of humus-rich soil and sand is ideal.
- Fertiliser: Feed the plant with a balanced fertiliser in Spring and Summer, but avoid fertilising when the plant is dormant in Autumn and Winter.
- Pruning: Requires little or no pruning. If required, pruning should take place in mid to late Spring.
- Winter Care: It is hardy down to -10˚C, it can be grown indoors in a greenhouse or as a houseplant in colder climates. The plant will go dormant in the Winter, but it is important to keep the soil slightly moist during this time.
By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms and glossy leaves of the Desfontainia Spinosa in your garden for years to come.