Colletia - Anchor Plant

(Colle'tia)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of five deciduous shrubs that are native to southern South America. These interesting plants, commonly known as Anchor Plants, are completely or almost leafless and equipped with formidable spines. C. hystrix is a vigorous shrub that grows up to 8 feet high. It is covered with strong, thick, rounded spines. In late summer and fall, the branches are covered with sweetly scented, small, pitcher-shaped, white flowers. C. paradoxa is a slow-growing, medium-sized shrub with flat, triangular spines that are actually branchlets. The spines make it an excellent boundary plant. In late summer and early fall, it is also clothed with small, white, pitcher-like flowers.

POTTING: Anchor plants can be grown outdoors in mild climates only. They should be planted in a sunny location, because the more sun the more flowers. They should be grown in well-drained, loamy soil; however, up to a point, the poorer the soil, the hardier the plants are. Pruning can be hard, but is rarely needed, except for pinching the tips of young plants to encourage bushiness.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings may be inserted in sand or sand and peat moss, in August and October. The cuttings can be made of side shoots, 4 to 8 inches long, with a thin heel of the old wood attached. Place them under a bell jar or in a cold frame or greenhouse.

VARIETIES: C. hystrix & var. Rosea; C. paradoxa; C. spinosa; C. bictonensis; C. infausta.

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