Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Metarungia longistrobus or Sunbird bush

The genus Metarungia, family Acanthaceae, includes 3 species of shrubs native to tropical regions of Africa. The species are: Metarungia longistrobus, Metarungia galpinii and Metarungia pubinervia.

Common name: Sunbird bush. This species is native to Mozambique and South Africa.

They are evergreen shrubs with a rounded bearing, branching from the base, reaching 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are elliptical, alternately arranged and bright green. The flowers are yellow or orange and appear on 9 cm high spikes. They bloom from summer to and sometimes early spring.

This fast-growing, easy-to-grow plant is used in rockery, undergrowth, to form informal hedges, and in large pots for terraces and patios.

Metarungia longistrobus can grow in full sun and shade exposures; prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the morning. It resists occasional frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF).

The soil should drain well and contain plenty of organic matter. The transplant is done in spring.

Sunbird bush resists drought well. In summer it appreciates regular watering, waiting for the substrate to dry.

Fertilize with compost in late winter or early spring.

Prune at the end of winter to keep it compact and favor the next flowering.

Metarungia longistrobus is a quite resistant shrub to the usual pests and diseases.

Sunbird bush propagates from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings also in spring.

Images of the shrub Metarungia longistrobus or Sunbird bush