Care of the shrub Metalasia muricata or White Bristle Bush |
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The genus Metalasia, family Asteraceae, comprises 50 species of flowering plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Metalasia muricata, Metalasia aurea, Metalasia pungens, Metalasia serrata. Common names: White Bristle Bush, Coast Metalasia, Blombos. This species is native to Western Cape, South Africa. They are highly branched shrubs of low and rounded shape that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The leaves are very small, dark green, and grow to cover the stems. The flowers appear in white, pink or lilac heads. They bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall. They are used to fix slopes, in rockeries and in bushy groups. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens; they resist salinity and the sea wind. Metalasia muricata needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. They resist frost down to -9 ºC (15.8 ºF). They grow in any type of well-drained soil: dry, poor, stony or sandy. They are very resistant to drought. water moderately waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. They do not need fertilizers. Prune lightly after flowering to remove faded flowers and maintain a compact appearance. They are very resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate from seeds sown in autumn. |
Images of the shrub Metalasia muricata or White Bristle Bush |
 Metalasia muricata  Metalasia muricata |