Fabiana imbricata aka Pichi

Fabiana imbricata is an evergreen shrub in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Its common names include false heath and pichi. It comes from Chile and western-central and southern Argentina. Kew records it as a plant of temperate climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its fine leaves give it a heath-like look.

The shrub forms a dense mound with many plume-like branches. Tiny, dark green leaves crowd the stems and resemble needles. The foliage stays on the plant throughout the year. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] in height. Their spread falls within the same range. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size. In early summer, white to pale mauve flowers line the stems. Each flower forms a narrow tube about 0.6 inches long. The flowers stand out against the dark green foliage.

Grow this shrub in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. The RHS recommends soil that stays moist but drains well. Poor to moderately fertile ground suits it. Choose neutral to slightly acid soil for cultivation. The RHS lists clay, loam and sand as suitable soil types. Its UK hardiness rating is H4, covering minimum temperatures of −10 to −5°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Shelter remains part of the RHS guidance, even within its hardiness range.

False heath suits rock gardens, flower beds and borders beside walls. The RHS also lists cottage gardens and informal planting schemes. Its dense form and lasting foliage provide structure beyond flowering time. It appears among the RHS choices for low-maintenance gardens. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Sow seed in containers within a cold frame in spring or autumn. Softwood cuttings offer another route in early summer. Take semi-ripe cuttings later in summer.

Plants For A Future records no known food uses. It also lists no known hazards, but this does not establish safety. The same source describes medicinal use of dried leaves and twigs. These uses include promoting urine flow and treating bladder complaints. It also records use to promote bile flow and as a tonic. These are reported uses, not advice to treat illness. The source warns against medicinal use where kidney disease is present. It lists no other uses and does not flag weed potential.