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Bluebrush

Shrub type: Coniferous (Grows along the ground or other low surfaces.)

This average-sized shrub grows up to 2 feet (61.0 cm) tall and lives for around 35 years. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has numerous knobbly, twisting stems covered in delicate, cracked, brown-green bark, and the wood inside is brown.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright with dozens of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of small, V-shaped, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are brilliant blue and lilac, sturdy and rough.

In late spring it produces many clusters of giant, orange blossoms with shield-shaped petals. They are very delicate and have an intense scent that smells like petrol.

In midwinter tiny needle-like fruits ripen. The rough red skin is peel-able and edible when roasted; it is sweet, and the very soft slate flesh is savoury and syrupy. The light orange seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.

It is possible to grow it from cuttings.
It comes in 66 varieties.
It is suitable for creating flexible, durable textiles