Chilean boxthorn
Vestia foetida · Solanaceae
📷 peganum from Henfield, England · CC BY-SA 2.0
⚠️ Chiens, chats et enfants : parties aériennes toxiques par ingestion, causent troubles digestifs graves et tremblements.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around chilean boxthorn and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, aromatic
- Blooming
- May to July, pale yellow pendant flowers
- Adult size
- 1.5 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, temperate to mild climate
- Origin
- Chile
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Toxicity
- Toxic to domestic animals
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability low.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant in cool, not dry soil. It tolerates partial shade better than you'd think—it's actually ideal in hot climates.
The common mistake
Thinking it's a difficult shrub and overdoing it: it prefers being left alone rather than fussed over.
The pro's trick
Plant it in April-May: summer growth roots it well before winter arrives.
Care
Light Exposure
Prioritize partial shade, sheltered from strong winds. The fetid bower tolerate partial shade but appreciates sufficient light. Avoid intense full sun in Mediterranean regions, which can dry out the foliage.
Watering
Keep the soil moist without excess during growth. Water regularly in summer, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Prefer soft water and avoid stagnant pools.
Soil and Substrate
Plant in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Adding organic matter (potting soil, compost) improves structure. The fetid bower appreciates aerated soil to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season (May to September). Use diluted applications to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Stop all fertilizing in winter.
Pruning and Training
Perform light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact and airy form. Remove dead or misplaced branches in late winter. Avoid severe pruning which slows down the plant.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for spider mites in dry conditions. Powdery mildew can appear due to poor air circulation. Check for the absence of scale insects on the foliage. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Its name 'foetida' refers to the unpleasant odor released by its foliage when rubbed, a characteristic that naturally protects it from herbivores in its original Chilean habitat. Despite this unappealing feature, the fetid bower produces delicate and fragrant flowers of great beauty, amusingly contrasting with its malodorous reputation.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.