Thursday, June 30, 2011

Oplopanax horridus

Thursday, June 30, 2011   Mark and Gaz   11 comments


We have grown Oplopanax horridus for several years and this year we were rewarded with a flower spike and now a healthy crop of berry's.  This plant has a reputation for being difficult to establish, and we were warned by the nursery to plant it out of the way and not to disturb it, by following this advice and keeping it well fed and watered has obviously worked for us.

Posted in: Plant profile

11 comments :

  1. Libby30 June 2011 at 08:07

    OOooo nice, very similar to one I have, is it from the Rheum family?

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  2. b-a-g30 June 2011 at 19:24

    Saw the title and braced myself, but it's not horridus at all ! Congratulations on your first flower spike.

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  3. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)30 June 2011 at 21:30

    I'm automatically attracted to plants whose name includes the word "horridus" :-). This one is a beauty. I wish our summers were cooler so we could grow it.

    Gerhard
    :: Bamboo and More ::

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  4. Nat1 July 2011 at 06:29

    Incredible!

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  5. Clive1 July 2011 at 09:27

    mmm, new one to me looks exciting!

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  6. Mark and Gaz1 July 2011 at 23:35

    Glad you like it Libby :) It's from the Araliad family, similar to Fatsias (but a very spiny one). Can throw out big leaves but much smaller this year due to flowering.

    Thanks b-a-g! :) I agree it's not 'horridus' at all, rather lovely. As long as you don't brush too much on it's spiny stems.

    Same here Gerhard, most of the time plants with 'horridus' on it turn out to be attractive and architectural. You might encounter this in the wild in your travels to more northern parts of the US :)

    Nat, this is hardy enough for your location :)

    Clive, another one for the list :) It will look great in your garden!

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  7. Alistair2 July 2011 at 16:10

    Great plant, I also thought Rheum when I first spotted it. The fact that it has also flowered suggests you are not having an Annus horribilis.

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  8. Sunray Gardens3 July 2011 at 00:20

    Wow that is gorgeous and your Ferns are setting it off to perfection. Beautiful combination!
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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  9. Tatyana@MySecretGarden3 July 2011 at 05:13

    Very architectural plant! Certainly makes a statement!

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  10. Bom4 July 2011 at 12:53

    Congratulations! It's a great-looking reward for your patience.

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  11. Mark and Gaz5 July 2011 at 18:29

    Nice one Alistair :) This plant is also perfectly hardy in your location.

    Thanks Cher, Tatyana, Bom, glad you liked the plant! :)

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