How I learnt to love Brachyglottis …
- Kim Thornton
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
When I first started gardening at the Norwood Road pavement beds, they were very depleted; many of the original plants had not made it without maintenance. But there were quite a few established Brachyglottis (Dunedin Group) 'Sunshine’, looking perky and very settled in. Brachyglottis is a genus of about 30 species of evergreen shrubs, small trees, and subshrubs predominantly native to New Zealand. This variety belongs to a group of cultivated hybrids which were developed in the South Island town DunedIn, hence the name.
Their wordy botanical name aside, these shrubs are pretty familiar with their grey green felty leaves and profusion of yellow daisy like flowers. They have become a staple of local authority public space planting. And may even be seen by some as a car park plant (oh the shame!).
I confess I find it ugly; most gardeners, I think, have some strong plant loves and hates. And this plant was one of my dislikes. Was…
But wow, it is so tough and almost indestructible. Yes, it can be a bit of a bully, but it is easily kept in check. When you have a big virtually empty pavement bed on a busy London high road in desperate need of some evergreen structure…it delivers. Additional bonus - it doesn’t require water, the pavement bed Brachyglottis have been soldiering on in the recent drought. They are also coping with clay soil (despite the theory that they shouldn’t). And to crown it all, it attracts pollinators.
So, I’ve done a total about turn. I have even come to appreciate its looks. I have actually been buying and planting them! This is part of the watch, see and learn ethos of the UGP. The plant is a survivor in this location - therefore it’s in. Rather than impose aesthetic preferences, we’re letting nature lead the way.
For further info:
RHS listing with plant description
