prickly myrtle

Also known as: Information to be completed

A half-hardy, densely-branched, spreading evergreen shrub to 2m tall, armed along the shoots with long, thin spines. The sharp-pointed leaves are leathery and glossy. Pale blue, 5-lobed, tubular flowers to 1cm long are borne in early spring; these are followed by spherical, fleshy, violet- blue berries

Scientific classification

Species: prickly myrtle (Rhaphithamnus spinosus)
Genus: Rhaphithamnus
Family: Verbenaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Shrubs
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

prickly myrtle pictures

Distribution of prickly myrtle

Distribution map

Chile

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of prickly myrtle

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prickly myrtle care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Usually little pruning is needed. Lightly shape if necessary, removing dead, damaged or diseased shoots. Prune after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Protect germinating seedling from frost. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Growing

Under glass, grow in ericaceous potting compost with additional leafmould, in bright, filtered light. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in acid to neutral, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, preferably against a warm wall

More growing and care information →