{"product_id":"cussonia-spicata","title":"Cussonia spicata","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCussonia spicata\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as the \u003cstrong\u003eCabbage Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most sculptural exotics you can grow, forming a swollen, water-storing caudex trunk topped with a bold rosette of deeply divided, grey-green palmate leaves. It has a real semi-succulent, architectural presence that makes it a favourite among collectors of the unusual.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a tender African species rather than a fully hardy garden plant. Native to the rocky hillsides and open woodland of southern Africa, it is happiest with heat and sharp drainage, and it resents cold, wet winters. Rated borderline hardy (RHS H2), it copes with only light, short-lived frost to around -3C once established, so in most UK gardens it is best grown in a large container that can shelter under glass over winter, or planted in a hot sun-trap and protected when frost threatens. Treated that way it rewards you with year-round, otherworldly form.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e the hottest, brightest, most sheltered spot you have, ideally against a warm south or west facing wall. A natural partner for other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e sharp, gritty, free-draining loam. Cold wet roots do far more damage than cold air, so drainage is everything.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a small tree in the wild, but slow and compact in our climate, staying container-friendly for many years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e borderline (RHS H2). Protect over winter with a move under glass, or fleece and a dry crown in a mild garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater freely through the growing season, then keep it much drier and frost-free over winter. Because it thrives in a big pot that can be moved into a frost-free greenhouse or porch, it is one of the most striking \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e, and its drought tolerance suits \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003edry and gravel schemes\u003c\/a\u003e under cover. Explore the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e to build a wider exotic planting, and do read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide so you know how a tender exotic behaves through a British year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Cussonia spicata we supply is nursery-grown, hand-selected for a healthy crown and strong roots, and carefully packed to arrive in superb condition ready to pot up.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":41831274610732,"sku":"CUSSSPIC17","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/HoK-080923-23_64f5727a-1a2b-4c4b-9757-2e7304a7682b.jpg?v=1695724746","url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/cussonia-spicata","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}