Phylica pubescens

An erect evergreen shrub that grows up to 1cm tall and 70cm wide.

The branches of this bush are clothed with leathery hair-covered narrow leaves which become crowded at the branch tips. Each branch ends in a flattened flowerhead comprising rings of feathery bracts amongst which the tiny flowers nestle which are produced in autumn and winter. The flowers have a faint cinnamon scent. Fruits follow the flowers and turn green to brown when ripe and split open to reveal the seed.

Prefers full sun and acidic sandy well-draining soil. Tolerates coastal conditions, dry soils and moderate frosts.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants may require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure.

Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square meter as new growth begins.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose but keep deep mulching material away from the main stems. They benefit from a dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins this will encourage more vigorous healthy growth. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots.

The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Pests and diseases can have serious debilitating effects on young plants so check regularly.

Lightly prune back in late spring to maintain a compact shape and prevent the plants from becoming woody. Collect seed so that new plants can be set out every four to five years as they are at their loveliest when young; they become woody and leggy when older.

Different species of bees, flies and beetles can be seen in abundance on the flowering heads. The fruit which ripens in early summer is hard and splits open to release seeds which each have an appendage, called an elaiosome, which is very attractive to ants. Ants collect the seed and take them to their nests thus aiding seed dispersal. This may be one of the reasons it is not more available in the nursery trade seed collectors need to be vigilant and arrive before the ants do.

No pest and disease issues.

Companion plantings of proteas ericas and restios are obvious choices for the fast-growing featherhead but this decorative plant will grow happily among other plants as well as long as the soil is well drained.

African Garden