Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Rutaceae

Genus:

Agathosma

Species:

Agathosma serratifolia

USDA Symbol:

AGSE5

Growth Characteristics

Height:

150 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Fynbos species that germinates in response to smoke and chemical cues from fire. Fire opens the ecosystem and triggers seed release and germination in this fire-prone Mediterranean-climate region.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to fynbos regions; prefers nutrient-poor conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with smoke treatment or smoke water, which is typical for fynbos species. Requires good drainage and warm temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI