PSORALEA AFFINIS Tall Fountain/Grape soda Bush 3L

Description

Psoralea affinis – Tall Fountain Bush / Grape Soda Bush
3L Pot Size
Discover one of the most delightfully scented indigenous shrubs available at our Cape Town nursery! Psoralea affinis, affectionately known as the Grape Soda Bush or Tall Fountain Bush, is a stunning evergreen from the fynbos regions of the Western and Eastern Cape. This fast-growing beauty fills the air with an irresistible, sweet fragrance reminiscent of grape soda, grape candy, or Fanta Grape – especially noticeable when you brush past the blooms or plant it near pathways and patios.
Plant Highlights
Growth Habit: Slender, erect, fountain-shaped shrub reaching up to 3m tall (easily pruned to 1.5–2m for smaller gardens or containers). Upright woody stems give it an elegant, graceful form.
Foliage: Compound leaves with 5–9 narrow, thread-like leaflets – fresh green and fine-textured.
Flowers: Clusters of small, pea-like blooms in lovely bluish-purple shades, appearing profusely from spring to early summer (September–January). The standout feature? Their intense, mouth-watering grape-soda scent that draws compliments from everyone who visits!
Why You’ll Love It: Indigenous to South Africa (Least Concern status – proudly local and eco-friendly), attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, and adds year-round structure with seasonal wow-factor fragrance.
Easy Care in Cape Town Conditions
Light: Full sun to light afternoon shade (perfect for our coastal climate).
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy mixes – thrives in fynbos-like conditions. Add compost for best results.
Water: Moderate while establishing; becomes quite drought-tolerant once rooted in. Prefers moist but not waterlogged spots (great near seeps or with occasional summer watering).
Pruning: Trim after flowering to shape, encourage bushiness, or keep compact.
Hardiness: Well-suited to mild Cape winters; protect young plants from rare heavy frost if inland.
Ideal for gardens, large pots, screening, or as a feature plant where you can enjoy that addictive scent up close. A rare find – these 3L potted specimens are vigorous, nursery-grown, and ready to plant out now!