Leucophyta Cushion Bush

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm

Description

(Leucophyta brownii)

SPECIAL QUALITIES

An attractive compact shrub with stunning silver foliage and tolerant of dry conditions and beach locations. Native to southern coasts of Australia.

FLOWERS

Yellow button head flowers from November to February.

POSITION & USES

The Cushion Bush makes a great informal hedge, eye catching feature plant in traditional cottage gardens or tub plant for patios. Very salt tolerant so ideal for coastal gardens.

CULTIVATION

Plants prefer well drained and open positions but can tolerate some shade. Very tolerant of salt, wind, drought and moderate frosts.

FERTILISING

Cushion bush needs little fertiliser and occasional watering during the dry summer. Bi monthly applications of Seasol and Power Feed in summer and autumn will keep it looking its best.

WATER RATING

  • Red can = Little water in hot, dry weather.
  • Green can = Deep watering every few weeks in hot, dry weather.
  • Blue can = Deep watering weekly in hot, dry weather.

Codes are a guide only and watering requirements will be affected by soil type, competition, mulching, wind and many other factors. Try to group plants with the same code in the one bed.

CAUTION: May be harmful if eaten

Herb Attributes

Plants Needed per Square Metre 3-4
Habit A dwarf and rounded shrub with tight foliage.
Position Full Sun to Part Shade, Moderate Frost
Height 75CM
Width 75M