Description
Bupleurum – Thorow-wax –
There are about 100 species of annuals, perennials, and evergreen or semi evergreen shrubs, in this genus. They are widely distributed on dry, upland scrub, in moist areas and among rocks in the Northern Hemisphere, with some species occurring in South Africa. The variably shaped leaves are alternate, simple, and smooth edged, often with conspicuous parallel veins. It bears rounded compound umbels of star shaped, yellowish or greenish flowers are usually surrounded by involucres of leaf bracts. Grow in a flower or shrub border or for cut flowers and smaller species for a rock garden.
Grow in any light, well drained soil in full sun. Deadhead to avoid self seeding. Divide perennials in spring. Shrubby species are salt resistant. Can be pruned into a hedge.
B. angulosum – This clump forming, semi evergreen perennial from the Pyrenees and Northeastern Spain grows 12″ tall and wide. It produces linear-lance shaped, blue-green basal leaves, 4-14″ long, and broader, heart shaped, blue green stem leaves, to 2″ long, clasping the upright branching stems with their bases. In mid and late summer, it bears terminal umbels, ½” across, consisting of rings of 4-6 ovate, jade green bracts surrounding clusters of tiny star shaped yellowish or creamy green flowers.
Zones 4-9
