Mutisia ilicifolia – Climbing Gazania –

Description

Mutisia – Climbing Gazania – There are about 60 species of evergreen shrubs and vines in this genus. They occur in woodland and scrub in South America. The alternate leaves, sometimes pinnate sometimes have serrated edges and vary greatly from elliptic, heart shaped or linear and are mid to dark green. Showy, dahlia or daisy like flower heads are borne singly from summer to autumn. Grow in a small courtyard garden, through shrubs, in a border, or on a fence or trellis. Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or part shade. Protect from excessive winter moisture. M. ilicifolia – This climber from Chile reaches 10′ feet high. From winged shoots it carries holly like, ovate to ovate-elliptic, bright green leaves, to 2 ½” long, each ending in a long, unbranched tendril. From summer to autumn it bears short stalked, soft pink flower heads, to 3″ across, with yellow center and around 8 petals. Zones 9-10