Although not well known as a garden plant, Muraltia heisteria is an attractive plant that should do well in most gardens. Being a fynbos plant adapted to nutrient-poor, acidic soils, strong wind, high temperatures and summer drought, this species is perfect for fynbos and water-wise gardens. It can be planted in full sun or semi-shade-plants in semi-shade tend to be less spiny and less rigid. Try it as a low informal hedge, where its prickly nature could be put to use, or use it to bring a splash of bright purple into the garden.

Propagate Muraltia heisteria by seed sown in spring or early summer, using a well-drained soil mixture. If sowing in situ in a winter rainfall climate like the Western Cape, sow in autumn to give the young plants time to establish before the dry summer months.

When planting seedlings out into the garden, water them well at first to allow them to establish before expecting them to be tough, drought- and wind-tolerant plants. In a winter rainfall climate, plant out in autumn to take advantage of the cool rainy weather and save on your water bill.

Muraltia heisteria is currently not being propagated at Kirstenbosch, so we cannot comment on how easily the cuttings root, but it could be propagated by tip or heel cuttings taken during spring or autumn, treated with a rooting hormone and placed in the mist unit.