Bronze Raspwort Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze'
ABOUT
The Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', commonly known as the Seaberry Haloragis, is a distinctive plant renowned for its ornamental foliage and hardy nature. This perennial showcases bronze-tinted leaves that offer a shimmering, metallic appearance, setting it apart from the typical greenery found in many gardens. The leaves are small and narrow, closely studding the stiff, upright stems to create a dense and bushy texture. The color of the leaves deepens to a richer bronze hue when exposed to full sun, adding a striking visual contrast to its surroundings. Throughout its blooming season, the Seaberry Haloragis produces tiny flowers that are often inconspicuous against its bold foliage. These flowers are generally a greenish color, which blend subtly with the leaves. After flowering, the plant may produce small fruits that generally have limited ornamental value. The overall impression of the Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze' is that of a robust and resilient plant that provides year-round interest with its unique foliage color. It is often valued for its ability to adapt to a variety of conditions and serves as an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add textural contrasts to their landscapes without needing a plant that has commanding stature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Haloragaceae
Synonyms
New Zealand Sea Spurge, Toatoa, Erect Seapurslane
Common names
Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze'.
ToxicityTo humans
Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', commonly known as the shrubby haloragis, does not have a well-documented profile for toxicity to humans. There is limited information available regarding the poisonous nature of this specific plant or symptoms of poisoning in humans after ingestion. It is always advisable to be cautious and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential risks or unknown reactions. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
To pets
For pets, the shrubby haloragis has no specific documented evidence indicating that it is toxic. However, as with humans, the toxicity of Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze' to pets is not well-known, and therefore it is best to prevent pets from ingesting this or any unfamiliar plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant and is showing signs of illness, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Bronze
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze' has distinctive bronzy-green leaves that add a unique color contrast to garden beds.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Wellington Bronze requires minimal care once it is settled in its environment, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
- Cold hardiness: It can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in temperate climates.
- Wildlife attraction: The small flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Year-round interest: This perennial plant offers visual interest across seasons, with its foliage and structure.
- Soil adaptability: It can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
- Easy propagation: It can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants without additional cost.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as filler in mixed beds, providing landscape designers with various options for use.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some ornamental plants, Wellington Bronze is not known to be invasive, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ecological Studies: Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', commonly known as shrubby haloragis, can be an important plant for ecological studies and biodiversity research due to its unique adaptive traits.
- Creative Arts: The deep bronze-colored foliage of shrubby haloragis can be used for artistic purposes, such as botanical illustration or as a natural dye for fabrics and papers.
- Educational Tools: Shrubby haloragis can serve as a living specimen in educational settings to teach about native flora, plant identification, and New Zealand's ecosystem.
- Photographic Subjects: With its striking coloration, shrubby haloragis is an excellent subject for photographers specializing in plant and garden photography.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly eaten, the leaves of shrubby haloragis could potentially be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for plating dishes.
- Landscape Design: Its unique bronze foliage makes shrubby haloragis a valuable plant for use in thematic garden designs, such as bronze or autumn-themed gardens.
- Erosion Control: In landscaping, shrubby haloragis can be used on slopes or banks for erosion control due to its woody, spreading habit.
- Craft Materials: The stems and leaves of shrubby haloragis can be used in the creation of crafts, such as natural wreaths or botanical arrangements.
- Seasonal Displays: The plant's seasonal color change to a more vivid bronze can add aesthetic value to seasonal displays in gardens and public spaces.
- Propagation Studies: Gardeners and horticulturists can use shrubby haloragis for propagation studies and experiments due to its ease of cultivation from cuttings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Haloragis erecta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Haloragis erecta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Haloragis erecta, commonly known as Bronze Aussies, often thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand and adapt to life's challenges.
- Adaptability: Its growth in various soil types and environments reflects the quality of being versatile and capable of adjusting to new conditions.
- Endurance: Bronze Aussies have a hardy nature, representing the endurance to persist through adversity and maintain vitality.
- Natural Beauty: The attractive bronze coloration of 'Wellington Bronze' mirrors appreciation for the natural beauty and diversity of the plant world.
WaterNew Zealand Burr should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. This might equate to approximately one gallon of water every week, but always adjust based on the plant's environment and the weather conditions. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases.
LightNew Zealand Burr thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. An eastern or western exposure is ideal, providing it with morning or late afternoon sun, which is less intense than the midday sun.
TemperatureNew Zealand Burr prefers temperate climates, with ideal growing temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F. It is cold hardy down to about 20°F, but temperatures below freezing might damage the plant. During hot spells, temperatures above 85°F may stress the plant, so consider providing some afternoon shade to mitigate the heat.
PruningNew Zealand Burr benefits from occasional pruning to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and lightly trim the plant to maintain its form. Pruning is not required frequently—once per year is typically sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', commonly known as Bronze New Zealand Burr, the best soil mix is well-draining with a high organic matter content. A mixture containing peat, perlite, and compost works well. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingBronze New Zealand Burr should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure it has enough room for growth and to refresh the soil. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to allow for root development. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingBronze New Zealand Burr thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. The optimal range is between 40% to 60%, which often aligns with average indoor humidity levels. Ensure consistent humidity for optimal plant health but avoid overly damp conditions which may lead to fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Choose a partly shaded spot with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSeaberry Saltbush, Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in moist soil conditions during the springtime. Upon germination, a seedling emerges, developing its root system and first leaves. As it matures into a juvenile plant, it produces more bronze-tinted foliage and begins to branch out, forming a bush-like growth habit. Adult plants will flourish throughout the growing season, flowering and producing small, inconspicuous flowers. Pollination occurs, followed by the development of seeds which can be disseminated by wind or animals for propagation. Finally, in colder climates, the Seaberry Saltbush may die back in winter, entering a period of dormancy, to then regrow from its root system or seeds with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The commonly known Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', or Bronze Raspwort, is often propagated by seed or cuttings, with the most popular method being cuttings. The best time to take cuttings of the Bronze Raspwort is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) should be selected and the lower leaves stripped off. The cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting should then be inserted into a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to less humid conditions before transplanting it to its final growing location.
