A dense evergreen shrub from Mexico with peculiar properties! Of all the plants we grow this is probably my best pick for topiary tricks, but that’s not all it’s good for (& yes, I know, we’re not long on our list of shrubs!) From July to September it bears unusual half inch, 6-petaled yellow flowers in profusion. In short order (1-2 years) it can grow to 5’ high & wide, but prune it to any shape you fancy. Mature height can be 9’! Most notable, perhaps, is this species long history of Shaministic use, dating back to the Aztecs. Potions concocted from the fermented leaves are said to produce hallucinations of an auditory nature & a visual shift that tints your entire world yellow. (DISCLAIMER: we don’t actually recommend that you try this & we haven’t tried it ourselves! Topiary is plenty trippy: try growing this plant into the shape of an elephant, chicken, or poodle, then please send us photos.)

Claire Woods
Propagator