Common Name:

General Information

Brachyglottis laxifolia is a laxly branched, evergreen shrub growing up to 100cm tall[]. Cultivated plants have reached a height of 180cm in Britain[].
The plant is grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a low-growing, wind-resistant hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - South Island.

Habitat

Mountains; at elevations from 900 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Brachyglottis laxifolia is found at moderate elevations on the South Island of New Zealand, where it experiences frost and snow. It can, tolerate short-lived temperatures down to about -10°c[, ]. It grows well outdoors in the mild, maritime areas of Britain but it is not hardy elsewhere in the country[].
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[], growing well even in maritime exposure[].
A very slow-growing plant[].
This species is very closely related to Brachyglottis greyi[].
A very ornamental plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it can be grown as a windbreak hedge[]. Fairly slow growing though, eventually making a dense hedge to 1.8 metres tall[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Overwinter in a cold frame and plant out in late spring[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 8cm preferably with a heel, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage. Plant out in late spring[].