COLLETIA PARADOXA

A plant that won’t be to everyone’s taste. In late autumn and winter its small, white f lowers – which appear among a fortress of spines – have a sweet, almost honey and almond-like scent that is quite enchanting. On closer observation – but be careful, not to get too close – you’ll see that what on first glance appear to be the leaves are actually modified triangular stems. The true leaves are small and often appear in spring. If you’re intrigued, there’s a wonderful specimen in the winter garden of Hillier’s in Hampshire.

Height 2.5-4m.

Origin Uruguay and southern Brazil. Conditions Tolerant of most well-drained soils; sun.

Hardiness RHS H4, USDA 7a-9b. Season of interest Early autumn to winter.