Bursaria spinosa
Bursaria spinosa · Pittosporaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around bursaria spinosa and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Australian Blackthorn
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (September to November in Southern Hemisphere)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m tall, 1.5 to 3 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, temperate to warm climate (zones 9-11)
- Origin
- Australia (New South Wales, Victoria)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant of poor soil
Care
Light exposure
Plant Bursaria spinosa in full sun for optimal flowering and a compact form. This species tolerates partial shade but flowers less generously. It appreciates good light and resists hot, bright exposures well.
Watering
Water regularly in the first year after planting to promote rooting. Once established, this hardy plant tolerates prolonged drought and requires little watering. Avoid standing water that promotes root rot.
Soil and drainage
Well-drained soil is essential, even if poor or low fertility. Bursaria spinosa adapts to chalky, acidic or sandy soils. Improve drainage with gravel or sand if your terrain is compact or clay-based.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced bushy form. Remove dead or diseased branches. Gentle annual pruning encourages dense branching and better flowering the following year.
Fertilizer
A moderate fertilizer application in early spring is quite sufficient. Prefer a balanced fertilizer low in nitrogen to avoid encouraging foliage at the expense of flowers. Poor soils only require light annual fertilization.
Diseases and pests
This species is generally little affected by disease in dry climate regions. Watch for root rot in case of excessive moisture. Good foliage aeration and adequate drainage prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
Bursaria spinosa is known in Australia as 'Native Blackthorn' and its sharp little spines were historically used as natural barriers to fence properties. Its tiny but fragrant flowers attract numerous pollinating insects and constitute an important nectar source for birds and local Australian wildlife.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- PittosporumPittosporum tobira
- TawhiwhiPittosporum tenuifolium
- Chinese PittosporumPittosporum heterophyllum
- Billardiera scandensBillardiera scandens
- Pittosporum angustifoliumPittosporum angustifolium
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.