Phylica ericoides

Scientific name: Phylica ericoides
Family: Rhamnaceae
Common name: heath, hardebos

Shrub with showy white flowers and erica-like leaves.  

Plant Description

Phylica ericoides is a compact shrub that grows up to 1m in height with needle-like leaves. The leaves are green on top with rolled margins that are greyish underneath. All year long, white, rounded flower heads are borne singly or in clusters. Flowers have a pungent musty scent. When the flower matures, the red seeds appear.

Growing Phylica ericoides

The heath phylica grows on coastal slopes and deep sand. It thrives best in full sun with well-drained soil. In full sun, the flowering rate is much greater than in partial shade. It does better in soil that is rich with good drainage. It can be grown as a cut flower, filler plant and in water-wise, coastal and fynbos gardens. It withstands salt spray and does well in good compost.

Propagate by seeds sown in autumn (Mar-May) and by cuttings.

Seeds

• Sow seeds in autumn.
• Sow the seeds in a well-drained medium.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep moist.
•  A sufficient amount of light is required until seed germination occurs. 
• It takes three to four weeks for the seeds to germinate.

Cuttings

• Spring and summer are ideal times for taking cuttings.
• Collect cutting early hours of the day.
• Take semi-hardwood tip or heel cuttings from healthy new growth.
• Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting.
• Dip cuttings into a rooting hormone and place them into a tray filled with super fine bark and polystyrene.
• Rooting usually takes four weeks. 
• Hardening off for two weeks before potting.