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Ehretia rigida

Common names: Puzzle Bush (E); umHlele (Z); Deurmekaarbos (A); umBotshane (X);

Native to: Southern Africa
Shrub, Tree

Ehretia rigida

DECIDUOUS

FULL SUN

SEMI-SHADE

FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

FRAGRANT

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

5m x 3m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Ehretia rigida

DESCRIPTION

Very hardy, deciduous, drought resistant, attractive shrub or small tree with intricate and interesting shapes formed by its tangled branches that arch downwards. The dense tangles make safe nesting sites for birds. The grey-green leaves are clustered on short side branches. It bears small, sweet smelling lilac-white flowers in dense clusters. The orange berries that follow the flowers are a favourite with fruit eating birds.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Sunbirds visit the flowers regularly. An excellent shrub for a bird garden.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Water moderately.
MAINTENANCE
Low maintenance.
LANDSCAPING USES
This extremely hardy plant is a decorative addition to any garden for sun or semi-shade positions. It can be used in an informal hedge and a security barrier. When pruned with a single stem it makes a beautiful standard or tree for a small garden.
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Country, Rockery, Woodland
FLOWERS
FOLIAGE
BARK
FRUIT
PESTS & DISEASES
Seldom attacked by pests.

8 responses

  1. Hi Mookho

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Ehretia rigida grows easily from seed which is available when the tree is fruiting between October and January. Sowing should be from mid-summer to autumn in a mixture of river sand and compost (5:1). Germination takes 10-20 days under optimal conditions.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  3. Hi Gaven

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    You should be able to find Ehretia rigida at most nurseries that stock indigenous trees.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  5. Hi Vanessa

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Yes, Ehretia rigida can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings.

    They’ll need to be about 5cm long and the success rate is increased when treated with a rooting hormone.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  7. Hi Alta

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    I’d recommend a planting distance of 1m to get a dense hedge.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

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