Desfontainia spinosa
1st September 2016
A South American native found in the mountains on the western side from Panama to Tierra del Fuego.
Not seen very often in cultivation but "well promised" which is to say it is a favourite of designers working in
mild gardens to give an exotic edge, though often dropped from the final plan (for practical reasons).
I first saw it looking good with its back against a south wall in Chester (having seen it struggling
many times). It is a bit tender so people plant it in harsh starving locations where it will be
protected.
So, after a few anxious years in the greenhouse I put it out in the garden, behind the herbaceous border
where it will be magnificent, spend the summers trying to attract hummingbirds (I have my fingers crossed)
and not be noticed if it drops dead.
3rd July 2019