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. White Bristle Bush is used to fix slopes, in rockeries and in bushy groups. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens; it resists salinity and the sea wind. Metalasia muricata needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. It resists frost down to -9 ºC (15.8 ºF). Blombos grows in any type of well-drained soil: dry, poor, stony or sandy. White Bristle Bush is very resistant to drought. water moderately waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. Metalasia muricata does not need fertilizers. Prune lightly after flowering to remove faded flowers and maintain a compact appearance. Coast Metalasia is a very resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. White Bristle Bush propagates from seeds sown in autumn. |
Images of the shrub Metalasia muricata or White Bristle Bush |
 Metalasia muricata  Metalasia muricata |