The shrubby hare’s ear is displaying domes of flower in the Mediterranean Beds.
The thorow-wax genus (Bupleurum) belongs to the carrot family Apiaceae. Containing an estimated 225 species of annuals, perennials and shrubs the genus is naturally distributed throughout the northern hemisphere and also South Africa. Species occur in dry uplands, rocky habitats and moist areas. Bupleurum fruticosum, or shrubby hare’s ear, is a European and African native from the Mediterranean. It thrives in well-drained soils in full sun, but also tolerates semi-shade as here in the Mediterranean Beds. It grows to 2m in height and 2.5m in width and has a dense habit, bearing slender, obovate, blue-green leaves. Tiny soft yellow flowers are held in domed terminal umbels and are highly attractive to bees.