Care of the shrub Phylica ericoides or Heath phylica |
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The genus Phylica, family Rhamnaceae, comprises 150 species of evergreen shrubs native to southern Africa. Some species are: Phylica ericoides, Phylica paniculata, Phylica arborea, Phylica plumosa, Phylica vulgaris. Common names: Ericoid phylica, Heath phylica. This species is native to the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. They are wide and compact shrubs, similar to heather, reaching 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The small leaves are linear in shape and are shiny on the upper surface and whitish on the underside. They produce many flower heads with small white scented button-shaped flowers. They bloom in autumn and winter. They are used in Mediterranean gardens (even coastal), in rockery, in beds, on slopes and in pots for terraces and balconies. Phylica ericoides grows in semi-shade and full sun exposures. They resist occasional freezes of -5 ºC (23 ºF). They prefer a soil that contains manure, coarse sand and a little clay to retain moisture. Water regularly all year round with little amount of water; they are drought resistant plants. Fertilize in autumn with manure or compost. Prune intensively in early spring and lightly in early summer. They can be attacked by insects or fungi if there is too much humidity. They are propagated from cuttings in summer or fall. |
Images of the shrub Phylica ericoides or Heath phylica |
 Phylica ericoides  Phylica ericoides  Phylica ericoides  Phylica ericoides  Phylica ericoides |