COLLETIA hystrix 'Rosea'

Pronouced (col-le-tia hiss-trix)
Fast facts:

• an evergreen known as the 'Pink Cruxifixion Thorn' or 'Barbed Wire Bush'
• one of 15 species of spiny shrubs in the Rhamnaceae family
• unlike many of the cultivars in the hystrix species, 'Rosea' has pink, rather than white, tubular flowers that bloom mid-winter
• native to chile and argentina

A rare find in the usual Portland garden, the Colletia hystrix 'Rosea' will add intrigue and statement to your landscape. This spiky and angular plant will reach maturity in 10-20 years and can be as large as 8-12' x 8-12' and responds well to moderately hard pruning. Sparse, small leaves are scattered throughout the divaricating branches, though are largely overlooked due to size of thorns and the fragrant flowers. Loves full sun, sandy to loamy soil, is fairly pest and disease resistant, and frost tolerant. Plant as a feature point in your garden, in a container, or use as a border between yards. If you're in Portland you can see a mature Colletia hystrix at McMennamin's Kennedy school, and we have it stocked at our nursery in 2 gallon pots.