Shrubby Hare’s Ear
A frost tolerant drought tolerant plant from the Mediterranean, Bupleurum fruticosum is an evergreen shrub that grows in rocky areas in coastal areas of southern France and nearby areas.
This is a medium sized shrub, interesting blue green foliage and masses of yellow to green flowers in summer.
In the garden this is a shrub that is best pruned each year, do this in early spring using hedge clippers. Take it back to around .5m in height and it will re-shooot fairly quickly. Fresh foliage and a nice rounded growth habit.
Care
A well drained soil is essential as is a good amount of sun. You can amend the soil a little by adding some lime and this will improve growth.
Once established this is plant that requires little to no additional water and little extra fertiliser. We still like to mulch around the plant, but more as way of suppressing weeds.
Bupleurum fruticosum is available for sale from the following nurseries
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com