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Metalasia muricata

White Bristle Bush

Plant photo of: Metalasia muricata
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Information by: randomharvest.co.za        Photographer: random harvest.co.za

 

Description

Metalasia muricata is a hardy, evergreen medium-sized shrub that is very variable in appearance and frost hardiness, depending on the region in which it occurs. This rounded, robust, sturdy shrub has fine silvery grey-green, needle-like foliage. The leaves can be smooth or woolly. In winter, the shrub is covered in honey-scented clusters of tiny white to pinky-purple flowers. The flowers attract many pollinating insects, and the seeds are eaten by birds. Can reach 13' tall. Does best in full sun with well draining, sandy, acidic soil. Excellent plant to include for coastal sand dune stabilization. Lovely shrub for textural and color contrast in the garden. Drought tolerant plant for water-wise gardens. Dried leaves are used as tea in Lesotho. It is useful as a tall filler in flower beds, providing grey-green foliage for color and textural contrast. As it is drought and wind tolerant, it can be used to screen lower plant beds from the wind.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Width Range

Flower Color

Pink, Purple, White

Flower Season

Winter

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Silver

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Soil Type

Sandy

Soil Condition

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Winter

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.