Sarcopoterium spinosum (Thorny burnet)

Botanical name

Sarcopoterium spinosum

Other names

Poterium spinosum, Thorny burnet, Prickly burnet, Brushwood, Hedgehog heath

Genus

Sarcopoterium Sarcopoterium

Species

S. spinosum - S. spinosum is a tender, compact, dense, mound-forming, evergreen subshrub with thorny branches bearing small, ovate, hairy, mid- to bright green leaves and spike-like racemes of tiny, bright pink flowers in spring followed by red fruit.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Compact, Cushion or Mound Forming, Dense

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Colour

Flower

Bright-pink in Spring

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit. Pruning group 8

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Sarcopoterium spinosum (Thorny burnet) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Rock, Mediterranean, Gravel, Coastal, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Protect from excessive winter wet. Protect from frost in cold areas or overwinter indoors.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Sarcopoterium spinosum (Thorny burnet)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Sarcopoterium spinosum (Thorny burnet)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Sarcopoterium spinosum (Thorny burnet)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Orgyia thyellina

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest from Eastern Asia which could be damaging to broadleaf and coniferous species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be on goods (including non-plant material) imported from Eastern Asia and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/