Eriocephalus africanus
kapok bush
An aromatic, evergreen shrub, to 1m tall, with arching branches clothed with narrow, grey-green, slightly-succulent, leaves. Small, purple-eyed, white flowers are produced in winter, followed by fluffy, white seedheads
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Eriocephalus are evergreen shrubs with small, simple, aromatic leaves and white or pink flowers in spring or autumn, followed by fluffy seedheads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position. In cold areas grow in a container and take under glass for winter protection
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown into gritty compost in spring, or take softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.