Returning to the previous post in which we talked about Sala Graupera's participation in the program "El Primer Cafè" broadcast by Radio Arenys, we would like to continue discussing the plant species that are most suitable for planting in winter and that bloom in this season; specifically we will expand information about a very interesting species to consider during the cold season, it is Phylica ericoides.
Its scientific name Phylica ericoides is formed by the name of the genus Phylica, which means 'leaf' in Latin, in allusion to the dense crowns of the plants of this genus, and the Latin term ericoides, which means 'heather', and the suffix –oides, which means 'resemblance', in allusion to the resemblance of this plant to heather.
Phylica ericoides is a plant from the Rhamnaceae family native to South Africa, where it is mainly found in rock crevices near the sea, or in sandy terrain.
It is a compact and perennial shrub that can measure between 30/50 centimeters high by 30/50 wide, very branched. It is a species that remains compact without the need for severe pruning. Its branches are thin and slightly covered with a very fine gray fuzz. Its leaves, about 5/8 millimeters long, are simple, alternate and very close to each other. They are linear in shape and their margins are curved inward; this characteristic together with the tomentose underside make the plant suitable for resisting long periods of drought, thanks to the fact that the rolled part of the leaf retains a certain level of moisture.
The flowers, greenish-white in color with a very intense honey-like aroma, are very small and appear in dense heads at the end of the branches. Flowering takes place mainly during the months of October to May, thus showing intense flowering throughout winter.
Image of Phylica ericoides; Source: molbiol.ru
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone 9, with an average minimum annual temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C, showing resistance to moderate frosts within the Mediterranean climate.
Phylica ericoides has proven to be a very drought-tolerant plant. It only requires support watering during the 8-10 weeks after planting; once well rooted it requires no irrigation. It is recommended to plant this species in autumn, so that the following summer it will already be one hundred percent autonomous. It is interesting to cover the soil with some type of mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent the appearance of unwanted weeds that may compete with it.
Its location should be in full sun, suitable for sustainable gardens and/or coastal gardens, as it also shows resistance to salinity and sea breeze. It also develops well in both sandy and heavy clay soils as long as they have good drainage.
We can consider it a very functional species as it adapts to all types of gardens. It can be used as a low hedge and for dense masses with low height development. The recommended planting density is 3 to 5 plants per m2, or 3 to 4 per linear meter if you want to achieve a border.
From Sala Graupera we consider it to be a very recommended and versatile plant.