Ephedra gerardiana
A dense, thicket-forming, evergreen shrub to 60cm tall, with upright, jointed, deep green shoots. In summer it bears inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers; these are followed (on female plants) by red fruits. Good ground cover on dry soils
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ephedraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of shrubs, scrambling vines and more rarely, small trees found in arid regions of the world such as northern Africa and southern Europe, containing the therapeutic chemical Ephedrine, which can also have numerous negative effects on the human body. Plants have slender, green, scaley, rush-like stems and produce small 'cones' followed by bright red or orange berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya, W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
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.