Thursday, June 30, 2011

Oplopanax horridus

We have grown Oplopanax horridus for several years and this year we were rewarded with a flower spike and now a healthy crop of berry's.  This plant has a reputation for being difficult to establish, and we were warned by the nursery to plant it out of the way and not to disturb it, by following this advice and keeping it well fed and watered has obviously worked for us.


  1. OOooo nice, very similar to one I have, is it from the Rheum family?

  2. Saw the title and braced myself, but it's not horridus at all ! Congratulations on your first flower spike.

  3. I'm automatically attracted to plants whose name includes the word "horridus" :-). This one is a beauty. I wish our summers were cooler so we could grow it.

    :: Bamboo and More ::

  4. mmm, new one to me looks exciting!

  5. Glad you like it Libby :) It's from the Araliad family, similar to Fatsias (but a very spiny one). Can throw out big leaves but much smaller this year due to flowering.

    Thanks b-a-g! :) I agree it's not 'horridus' at all, rather lovely. As long as you don't brush too much on it's spiny stems.

    Same here Gerhard, most of the time plants with 'horridus' on it turn out to be attractive and architectural. You might encounter this in the wild in your travels to more northern parts of the US :)

    Nat, this is hardy enough for your location :)

    Clive, another one for the list :) It will look great in your garden!

  6. Great plant, I also thought Rheum when I first spotted it. The fact that it has also flowered suggests you are not having an Annus horribilis.

  7. Wow that is gorgeous and your Ferns are setting it off to perfection. Beautiful combination!
    Cher Sunray Gardens

  8. Very architectural plant! Certainly makes a statement!

  9. Congratulations! It's a great-looking reward for your patience.

  10. Nice one Alistair :) This plant is also perfectly hardy in your location.

    Thanks Cher, Tatyana, Bom, glad you liked the plant! :)


