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Phylica plumosa (Cape Myrtle) - Phylica plumosa is the small dense evergreen shrub to 1-2 feet tall with rough needle thin leaves that are about ½ inch long. In late spring to early summer appear the small yellow flowers that are hidden within dense terminal clusters of feathery golden bracts. These golden bracts seem to catch sunlight and nearly glow so position it in an open space in the garden to catch early morning or late afternoon light.
Plant in full sun and irrigate little to occasionally. Tolerates seaside conditions. Hardy to temperatures down to the low 20's° F. This species grows in Cape Town and slightly north along the west coast, and it is found on clay and granite soils. It is a smaller and denser plant than the Phylica pubescens, which we have also grown, though Phylica pubescens is often erroneously sold as Phylica plumosa. We also have grown the larger Phylica arborea from the Tristan da Cuhuna Islands.
The information displayed on this page about Phylica plumosa is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.
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