Agathosma capensis

Agathosma capensis is a small South African shrub that is still very little known in Europe. It somewhat resembles a beautiful heather, with its upright and ramified habit and its delicate foliage. Like heather, it prefers a rather acidic soil, but the comparison ends there. Its flowering, in small globular heads of flowers that range from pink to white, occurs more or less throughout the year in very mild climates, however, is quite different. In reality, it is a plant related to citrus trees, not very hardy but resistant to drought. If you have a garden located on the coast then this Agathosma should thrive in your garden. As it performs very well in pots, gardeners in colder climates can admire it on the terrace during the entire summer season, enjoy the fragrance of its foliage, and bring it indoors during winter in a lightly heated greenhouse or conservatory.

Agathosma capensis is a shrub from the Rutaceae family native to the entire southern region of South Africa. It naturally grows in soils derived from rocks such as granite, shale, or coastal sands. It can be found on mountain slopes up to 1800m (5905ft 6in) altitude, as well as in lowlands. While it fears limestone, it is rare to find it in acidic sands, and its roots penetrate deeply between rocks. Its genus name, Agathosma, which can be translated as pleasant smell, refers to its small leaves rich in essential oil. In nature, its appearance varies depending on the ecotypes.

This shrub has a slow growth rate and an overall rounded upright habit, reaching an average size of 60cm (23.6in) in all directions. It develops a single trunk and thin ascending and ramified branches that lignify over time. They bear small linear leaves, ranging from 1.5 to 7mm (0.1 to 0.3in) in length, with obtuse or rounded tips, arranged alternately on the branches. The foliage emits a complex aroma when crushed, which is both sweet, woody, and spicy. The flowering, particularly long, mainly occurs in spring and summer in our climates. It takes the form of small globular inflorescences, 2cm (0.8in) in diameter, composed of numerous small flowers with 5 petals and prominent stamens. The flowers are pink when they bloom, but quickly fade to white. This flowering attracts many pollinating insects. The fruits are capsules with 2 or 3 chambers, each containing a black seed. It is ants that store the seeds in their hiding places: they will germinate after rainfall. Agathosma anchors itself on a rhizome capable of regenerating a plant after a fire.

Agathosma capensis possesses the unique charm of plants from slightly desolate lands, like many species of the South African fynbos, a specific vegetation formation of a Mediterranean-type climate. In favourable climates, it can be planted on the edge of flower beds, along with dry-soil heathers, Coleonema, or other Diosma species to stagger the flowering periods. Outside of certain well-targeted areas, it seems preferable to cultivate it in pots, where the substrate and winter conditions can be controlled. In the garden, it can be associated, for example, with Galvezia speciosa, Restios, broom heaths, or white, pink, or red Cistus. On the terrace or balcony, it can be surrounded by Cape leadwort, which has a long blue flowering period, Tibouchina, or common myrtle 'Flore Pleno'.