Prasium majus Care
Prasium majus
A hardy evergreen shrub native to Mediterranean maquis vegetation. After its white flowers that open in spring, the fleshy, sweet sepals (calyx) surrounding the flower are edible. It loves full sun and poor, rocky, well-drained soils; ideal for xeric landscapes.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Not required; winter precipitation is sufficient.
- Fertilizing: Not needed; it should not be given.
- Pruning: Not needed. Only dry branches that are aesthetically bothersome can be removed.
- Plant protection: Not needed. It is naturally resistant to pests and diseases.
- General care: Dormancy period.
- Pests & diseases: Excellent drainage is essential against the risk of root rot.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -8 °C.
- General care: Rest period continues.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -8 °C.
- Watering: Not needed. Spring rains are sufficient.
- Fertilizing: It must absolutely not be given.
- General care: Growth and flowering begin. A suitable time for planting new plants.
- Watering: Not needed for young saplings.
- General care: Main flowering period.
- Pruning: After flowering, it can be pruned lightly if a tidier look is desired; if in doubt, leave it alone.
- General care: After flowering, edible fleshy sepals (calyces) form.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- General care: Black, glossy fruits (inedible) form.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: Growth slows.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Fertilizing: It must absolutely not be given.
- Plant protection: Not required, naturally hardy.
- General care: It can be propagated by collecting its seeds or by semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Watering: Usually not required; autumn rains are starting.
- General care: A suitable time for planting new plants.
- General care: Enters dormancy.
- General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -8 °C.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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