Walberton's Silver Dormouse Brachyglottis Walberton's Silver Dormouse = 'Walbrach' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Brachyglottis 'Walbrach', also known by its trade name Walberton's Silver Dormouse, presents a visual charm mainly through its foliage and modest floral display. The most striking feature of this plant is its leaves, which carry a lush silvery-gray tone, edged with a hint of downy texture that adds softness to its general appearance. The leaves are oval to broadly spear-shaped, often with wavy or slightly toothed edges, which give them a somewhat ruffled look. Adding contrast to the silver foliage, small, sunny yellow flowers emerge in clusters. These blooms are daisy-like in form, radiating an uncomplicated yet cheerful aesthetic. They typically appear toward the warmer months, attracting pollinators and enhancing the plant's overall allure. Its overall form tends to be somewhat rounded, and the plant possesses a dense, bushy habit with the leaves arranged close to each other, providing a full, lush appearance. The Brachyglottis 'Walbrach' has a demeanor that is both robust and delicate, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking for enduring visual interest without overwhelming floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Walberton's Silver Dormouse, Brachyglottis 'Walbrach'.
Common names
Brachyglottis 'Walbrach'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' generally is not known for being highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individuals may experience certain reactions if they are sensitive or allergic to this particular plant. Ingesting parts of the plant could potentially cause mild stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. If any parts of the plant are consumed and symptoms occur, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. However, ingestion can sometimes result in gastrointestinal upset for animals, like vomiting or diarrhea, especially if they consume a significant amount. If your pet shows any signs of distress after consuming this plant, you should contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver-grey
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The 'Walbrach' Brachyglottis has silver-grey foliage that provides visual interest and contrasts well with other plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and able to tolerate neglect once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Brachyglottis 'Walbrach' is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Pollinator Friendly: The yellow, daisy-like flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Long Flowering Period: It blooms for an extended period, from early summer to autumn, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Hardy Plant: The plant is hardy in many climates and can survive through winter with little to no extra care.
- Compact Size: Reaching approximately 1m in both height and spread, it is well-suited for small gardens or as part of mixed borders in larger landscapes.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen shrub, Brachyglottis 'Walbrach' retains its leaves throughout the year, ensuring year-round greenery.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: The silvery leaves and yellow flowers of Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' can be used in dried floral arrangements to add a rustic and unique touch.
- Photography Prop: The plant's distinctive foliage can serve as an intriguing background or feature in botanical photography.
- Craft Projects: The leaves can be used in pressed flower crafts, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in decoupage projects.
- Education: Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical workshops, to teach about plant care and horticulture.
- Garden Sculpture: Trained and pruned appropriately, the plant can become a living sculpture, adding an artistic element to a garden space.
- Nature-Inspired Art: Artists can take inspiration from the textures and forms of the plant for paintings, illustrations, or textile designs.
- Theme Gardens: This plant can be incorporated into a silver-themed or moonlight garden where it complements other plants with silvery or light-reflecting foliage.
- Habitat Support: It can be used in garden designs aimed at supporting local wildlife, providing shelter for small animals or insects.
- Seasonal Decor: Branches of Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' can be used in fall or winter displays, wreaths, or as part of a festive table centerpiece.
- Mindfulness Practices: The plant can be included in a garden designed for meditation and mindfulness, offering a calming silver hue that may aid in relaxation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Brachyglottis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Brachyglottis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' is a hardy shrub that can withstand tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive through adversity.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a range of soil types and weather conditions, representing flexibility and the capability to adjust to changing environments.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, the Brachyglottis shields itself and provides shelter to wildlife, symbolizing safety and defense.
WaterThe Brachyglottis 'Walbrach', commonly known as the Walberton’s Silver Dormouse, prefers to be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A good approach is to provide water until it starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the plant is well hydrated. This could equate to approximately 16 ounces for a small pot or up to a gallon for a larger container weekly during growing seasons, and less during winter. It's crucial not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Always check moisture levels before watering to avoid waterlogged soil.
LightThe Walberton’s Silver Dormouse thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal for this plant. Avoid deep shade, as inadequate light can lead to poor growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Walberton’s Silver Dormouse fares well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers those between 50°F and 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F and as high as 90°F. However, this plant should be protected from frost and extreme heat to maintain its health and appearance.
PruningPruning the Walberton’s Silver Dormouse should be done to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Annually cut back about one-third of the oldest branches to keep the plant rejuvenated. Always use clean, sharp tools for the cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' prefers well-drained soil with a mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.5, which accommodates its preference for slightly acidic to neutral conditions. A good soil recipe would be two parts loam, one part peat, and one part coarse sand for optimal growth and drainage.
RepottingBrachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' does not require frequent repotting as it is a relatively slow-growing plant. Repot every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the current pot. Spring is the best time to repot, as the plant will be entering its active growing phase.
Humidity & MistingBrachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse' is fairly tolerant of varying humidity levels and does well in the moderate humidity found in most homes. However, it prefers a slightly higher humidity, so aiming for around 40-50% relative humidity is ideal for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Brachyglottis 'Walberach', commonly known as Walberton's Silver Dormouse, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, germinates in moist, well-drained soil in a warm environment. Once the seedling emerges, it grows into a juvenile plant with characteristic silvery-grey leaves and a bushy habit. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, eventually forming a dense, rounded shrub. The plant then reaches reproductive maturity, producing clusters of small, yellow, daisy-like flowers during the summer, attracting pollinators and enabling sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, Walberton's Silver Dormouse can continue to grow and flower for several years, with proper care and favorable conditions, before eventually senescencing.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Brachyglottis 'Walberton's Silver Dormouse', commonly known for its trademarked name 'Walbrach', is most effectively propagated through the use of semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is typically employed during the late summer months, when the plant has produced new growth that is beginning to mature and harden. Cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches long are taken from healthy, disease-free branches. The lower leaves are stripped, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-drained potting mix. The potting medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be potted on and eventually planted out into their final positions.
