Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Ebenus cretica or Cretan ebony

The genus Ebenus, a family of the Fabaceae, comprises 6 species of shrubs: Ebenus cretica, Ebenus lagopus, Ebenus pinnata, Ebenus sibthorpii, Ebenus stellata, Ebenus armitagei.

Common names: Cretan Silver Bush, Shrubby Sainfoil, Cretan ebony. This species is native to the Mediterranean island of Crete.

They are small evergreen shrubs of compact size that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are hairy and are composed of 3-5 lobes of elliptical shape ending in a point. The interesting pink or lilac flowers appear in spikes in great profusion. They bloom in spring.

Cretan ebony is used in rockery, in groups for dry areas of the garden and in pots. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Ebenus cretica prefers in full sun exposure and a warm climate like the Mediterranean climate. Do not expose it to continuous frost; it resists occasional low intensity frosts.

The soil must drain very well; Cretan ebony can grow on rocky and stony soils but prefers calcareous soils.

Water moderately, always waiting until the substrate has completely dried.

Prune faded flowers and trim branches to keep them compact.

Cretan Silver Bush does not need fertilizers.

Ebenus cretica is a plant resistant to pests but sensitive to excess moisture that causes fungal diseases (fungi).

Shrubby Sainfoil propagates by seeds sown in spring in a seedbed with sandy substrate or by cuttings in late summer.

Images of the shrub Ebenus cretica or Cretan ebony