Haloragis spp.

raspweed

Haloragaceae

Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific

Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Haloragis is a genus of roughly 25 to 30 herbaceous plants and small subshrubs in the family Haloragaceae, centered in Australia with species in New Zealand and the Pacific islands. Most form low, branching mounds 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall, with square or ribbed stems and opposite, coarsely toothed leaves 0.5-2 inches (1-5 cm) long; in H. erecta the foliage ranges from green to deep coppery-bronze. The tiny four-parted flowers are greenish to reddish, only about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across, carried in slender terminal spikes through summer and followed by small ribbed nutlets. Several species grow in open forest, grassland, and disturbed coastal ground, tolerating poor, dry soils once established. H. erecta, the New Zealand toatoa, is the species usually grown for its bronze foliage. The genus grows in full sun and free-draining soil and is frost-tender to half-hardy, the foliage browning in hard freezes; in cold regions it is grown as a container or bedding plant. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, so the plant is grown chiefly for its foliage.

Native Range

Haloragis spp. is native to Australasia and the Pacific, with most species in Australia and others in New Zealand and on Pacific islands. Plants grow in open forest, grassland, coastal scrub, and disturbed ground, often on poor or sandy soils.

Suggested Uses

Haloragis spp. is grown in containers, seasonal bedding, and gravel or coastal gardens, where the bronze-leaved forms contrast with green and silver foliage. Its compact mound suits edging and mixed pots.

How to Identify

Look for a low, branching plant with square or ribbed stems and opposite, coarsely toothed leaves that may be green or bronze. Slender terminal spikes carry minute greenish to reddish four-petalled flowers in summer, ripening to small ribbed nutlets. The bronze-leaved forms of H. erecta are the most recognizable in gardens.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'

Width/Spread8" - 1'8"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Haloragis spp. flowers through summer, roughly December to February in its native range and June to August in the northern hemisphere. The greenish-red flowers are tiny, about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide, and held in narrow spikes above the foliage. Small ribbed nutlets follow.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green to coppery-bronze

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Haloragis spp. in full sun on light, free-draining soil; it tolerates poor, dry, and sandy ground once established. Water moderately during the first season and through dry spells, then only as needed. Bronze leaf color develops most strongly in full sun and lean soil, fading toward green in shade or rich ground. Pinch young shoots to encourage branching. In climates colder than about USDA zone 9 it is treated as a frost-tender annual or lifted into containers under cover. Feeding is minimal, as rich soils soften the foliage.

Pruning

Haloragis spp. needs little pruning beyond trimming to shape and pinching the growing tips for denser growth. Cut back frost-damaged or straggly stems in spring once new growth begins. Old plants can be replaced from cuttings, which root readily.